Children suffering (The Problem of Evil and pain) (5)

[1] The Suffering of Children

• The suffering of children is one of the most emotionally difficult aspects of the problem of evil.
• It raises questions that pierce the heart: Why do innocent children suffer? Why does a good God allow this?
• Christianity addresses this painful issue with honesty, compassion, and theological depth.
• Children’s Suffering Is Real and Recognised in Scripture
• The Bible does not avoid the topic of child suffering. It speaks openly about it.
• Exodus 11–12: The death of the firstborn of Egypt during the tenth plague.
• Matthew 2:16: Herod’s massacre of all boys in Bethlehem under two years old.
• These incidents show that children are not immune to the brokenness of a fallen world.
• Genesis 3 reveals that after the fall of man, sin entered the world, bringing death, disease, injustice, and suffering.
• Children, as part of humanity, suffer in this corrupted world. Their weakness makes them particularly vulnerable to war, famine, poverty, disease, and violence.
• Suffering Is Not Always a Result of Personal Sin
• It is false to assume that suffering equals personal guilt or divine punishment.
• In John 9:1–3, Jesus refutes this belief: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
• Children may suffer, but this suffering is not always because of anything they or their parents did.
• Jesus expresses special love for children: Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
• Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
• Psalm 68:5–6 calls God a “Father to the fatherless”, showing His special concern for vulnerable children.

Why Doesn’t God Intervene in Every Case?

• To prevent all harm, God would have to constantly override natural laws and free will.
• This would eliminate human responsibility and create a world without moral freedom or natural order.
• Instead of removing suffering, God promises His presence, justice, and final restoration.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth

• While we may not understand all suffering, it can have meaningful outcomes:
• It can deepen compassion, awaken love, and drive people to seek God.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9–10: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• The suffering of children has inspired countless acts of mercy, generosity, and service:
• Christian aid organisations provide food, shelter, education, and medical care.
• After disasters, communities often unite to care for children and vulnerable families.
• God can use suffering to form hearts, soften pride, and turn people to Himself. God’s Presence in Their Pain
• God is not distant from the suffering of children.
• Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• Jesus Himself suffered and understands pain from within: Hebrews 4:15: “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”
• God is not a cold observer He walks with the suffering and offers hope and healing.

Eternal Justice and the Hope of Heaven

• Children who die are received into God’s presence.
• 2 Samuel 12:23: King David, after the death of his infant son, says, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” This implies hope for reunion and life after death.
• Matthew 19:14 again affirms that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children.
• Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
• God’s justice is perfect. Those who harm children will be judged:
• Matthew 18:6 makes this very clear.
• James 1:27 calls Christians to care for “orphans and widows in their distress.”

Why Does God Allow Children to Die Young?

• Death is not the end. It is the doorway to eternity.
• The brevity of a child’s life on earth does not diminish their eternal value.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9 assures us, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived are the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
• Children who suffer or die are held in the heart of God and have a place in His eternal plan.

How Can a Loving God Allow Child Abuse?

• God hates injustice and evil acts like abuse.
• Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
• This shows how God identifies personally with those who are hurt.
• Evil exists not because God wills it, but because of human sin and rebellion.
• The crucifixion, the greatest act of evil, brought salvation. God can redeem suffering and turn it into something good.
• That does not excuse abuse but assures that God will judge abusers and vindicate the innocent.

How Can Suffering Be Part of God’s Plan?

• We only see a small part of the picture. God sees the whole.
• Isaiah 55:9: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”
• A child’s suffering may lead a family to repentance, a community to compassion, or a doctor to new cures.
• Genesis 50:20: Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

What Is the Christian’s Role?

• Christianity does not call for silence in the face of suffering, but action.
• Christians are called to adopt orphans. Support charities that defend children. Fight child trafficking, abuse, and poverty. Be a light of love and justice in a dark world.
• Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
• Such acts show God’s love and give hope to suffering children.

[1] God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood Katie Faris