Why Bad Things Happen To Good People

People go through hard times in life and others have the worst share of the bitter peel than others. Cancer, disabilities, poverty, rejection, and loss of loved ones just to mention a few, are some of the battles some people face daily. You would notice that those who go through these difficult times are ‘good’ people. The big question remains why do bad things happen to good people?

I have heard this question countless times. Various speakers have given their two cents about the matter. I will also try and give my thoughts about the same. For starters, there are no good people. Yes, you heard me right. The definition of good people according to most dictionaries is “People who live a morally upright life, they are helpful, honest and kind. I believe if this is the standard of goodness then most of us would achieve it. Many perceive that if you are not an immoral person e.g., a prostitute, rapist, criminal, or someone who is not violent. If you don’t take hard drugs or don’t indulge in activities that are considered bad, then you qualify to be a good person. This definition is subjective and quite relative. For various reasons, whomever I characterize as a good person may not be in someone else’s judgment

Are there really good people? Before giving an answer, kindly walk with me a little longer. Luke 18:18 narrates a story of a certain ruler who approached Jesus and asked Him “Good, Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ response is the perfect standard of the definition of good. He said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Even Jesus the perfect Saviour, could not own the title and pointed out that it’s only God who is good. None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Psalm 14:1-7.

The truth is we are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory. We were sinners from the day of conception because we are from Adam’s seed. Through whom sins entered the world. Have you ever wondered who teaches an infant to be selfish? Who teaches them to be angered and to be dishonest? No one, sin is in our DNA. We are prone to sin and it’s only by the mercy of God we are not consumed because of our iniquity.

Another key thing to note is, bad things happen all the time to all people. We are born into a fallen world. A world full of evil, because, Adam gave the dominion of the world, which was originally his, to the devil. Therefore, as long as we are in this world, evil and pain are inevitable. Until Satan is judged and condemned to eternal damnation, he will always steal, kill and destroy. Jesus warns us beforehand that in this world we’ll face trouble but we should take heart because He has overcome the world. This is a guarantee that we are going to face hard times as long as we are in the world, but there is hope because Christ has already won it all.

When many of us go through a season of difficulty, it is easy to conclude that we are paying for a sin we committed. We perceive that God is definitely mad at us and is punishing us for our evil. This is far from the truth. These are lies from the accuser, and shortly after, guilt and condemnation creep in. This results in alienation from God, giving the devil room to keep tormenting us. Brethren, God is a good God and will NEVER inflict pain on us just to change us and for us to seek Him. All the punishment was laid upon Jesus on calvary, and by receiving Him, you partake in the gift of no condemnation because you are in Christ Jesus. Remember that all things, even the bad, will work out for your good if you love God and are called according to His purpose. Also, keep in mind that these troubles are only momentary and are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.