How can a loving God let so many people suffer and die?
God loves us. We even claim that God is love. Yet, thousands upon thousands of people are oppressed, abused, and murdered every day right under His nose. His creation, under the reign of His infinite power, allows people to suffer in brutal, unimaginable ways. How is that possible?
Perhaps the most loving thing God has ever done, aside from creation itself and that whole “sending His Son to die” thing, is giving us the power of choice. Free will gives us the option to choose God or to turn away from Him. It allows us to make decisions based in love or decisions based in selfishness. He loves us enough to give us the power to choose.
Unfortunately, there are many ramifications for that. Since God loves us all equally, He refuses to take free will away from anyone, no matter what they plan to do. While it may be difficult for us to understand, God loves James Holmes (Aurora, CO), Seung-Hui Cho (Virginia Tech), Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold (Columbine), Osama Bin Laden, Joseph Stalin, and Adolph Hitler. God loves them so much that He refused to take their free will away. I know that sounds too simple. I know it sounds very convenient. But if you consider the power of choice that God’s love provides, there is no denying it.
As for the disease and famine in the world, I am afraid the answer is a bit more painful. It is still rooted in free will, but the blame does not lie on a few sinful individuals. Unfortunately, the blame lies on me. And you. And every other person that has more than they need. I have enough money to share and feed a hungry person or two, and chances are you do too.
God created us to take care of one another. Jesus commanded us to take care of the least of these. Yet, we continue to buy nicer cars and bigger televisions. We spend our time on hobbies and leisure activities when we should be volunteering and donating. You and I are responsible for all of the people in need in this world…don’t blame God.
I agree that earth is a pretty messed up place right now. However, the problems that we see are not evidence that God does not exist. On the contrary, it is proof of the free will that we have all been blessed with, and the sinful choices that we make every day. And if we want to see it change, we need to pray to God that He will help us change. We are the problem. Not Him.