Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People of the Christian Faith and Why Do Evil People Prosper?
By Bishop & Most Reverend Lon Calvin Whitfield, Fellowship Ministry, West Orange, NJ

In every corner of life, from the pulpit to the pews, people often wrestle with one of the most profound and troubling questions: Why do bad things happen to good people, and why do evil people seem to prosper? This question is not new; it has been asked throughout the ages, by prophets, philosophers, and believers alike. As Christians, it can be especially challenging to reconcile the suffering of the righteous and the success of the wicked with our understanding of a good and sovereign God.

I have pondered this question countless times in my own ministry. While the answers are not always simple or immediately satisfying, Scripture provides us with wisdom and insight to help us grapple with these deep spiritual questions. Today, I want to explore the biblical perspective on suffering and injustice, offering hope and understanding for those who are struggling with this very issue.

A Biblical Perspective on Suffering
One of the key aspects of Christian faith is recognizing that we live in a fallen world, marred by sin and brokenness. The world, as it exists now, is not the perfect creation that God intended. From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden, sin and suffering entered the human experience, bringing with it pain, sorrow, and death. As long as we live in this world, even those who are faithful to God will encounter suffering.

But this suffering is not the result of God’s indifference or lack of love. In fact, the Bible teaches us that God is with us in our suffering. The book of Job is a powerful example of a righteous man who faced unimaginable loss and hardship. Job’s friends tried to explain his suffering by suggesting that he must have sinned or displeased God, but Job maintained his innocence. Ultimately, God revealed that Job’s suffering was not a punishment, but part of a greater plan that Job could not fully comprehend.

Like Job, we often cannot understand why certain trials come our way. However, we can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign, and His ways are higher than ours. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In moments of pain and confusion, we must trust that God is still in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

The Prosperity of the Wicked
The second part of this question is equally perplexing: why do evil people seem to prosper? The Bible addresses this concern repeatedly, as even the psalmists and prophets wrestled with the apparent success of the wicked. Psalm 73 is one of the most poignant expressions of this struggle. The psalmist Asaph begins by confessing his frustration, saying, “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3). He describes how the wicked seem to live carefree lives, amassing wealth and power without consequences for their actions.

Yet, as Asaph continues, he reaches a powerful realization: the prosperity of the wicked is temporary. In verse 17, he writes, “Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” The success that evil people experience is fleeting and rooted in this earthly life. While they may prosper for a time, their end is destruction if they do not turn to God in repentance. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

It is important to remember that God’s justice is not always immediate, but it is certain. The success of the wicked is limited to this world, and ultimately, they will stand before God to account for their deeds. In contrast, the rewards of the faithful are eternal. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Understanding God’s Greater Purpose
Another aspect of understanding why bad things happen to good people lies in recognizing that suffering often serves a greater purpose in God’s plan. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

God can use suffering to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. While we may not always see the immediate benefit of our trials, we can trust that God is shaping us through them. Sometimes, our suffering becomes a testimony to others of God’s faithfulness and power. The apostle Paul himself endured great hardship, yet he consistently pointed to the hope of glory that outweighed all his earthly trials (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Furthermore, Jesus Christ Himself, the sinless Son of God, suffered more than anyone could imagine. He was betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified—yet His suffering was not in vain. Through His death and resurrection, we are offered salvation and eternal life. If Jesus, who was perfect, endured suffering for the greater good of humanity, how much more should we, as His followers, trust that our suffering has a purpose beyond what we can see?

The Christian Response to Injustice
As Christians, our response to suffering and the prosperity of the wicked must be one of faith, trust, and hope in God. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when circumstances seem unfair or difficult to understand. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to bring our anxieties and concerns to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We are also called to persevere in doing good, even when it feels like evil is triumphing. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Our hope is in God’s ultimate justice and His promise that He will reward those who remain faithful to Him.

Conclusion
The question of why bad things happen to good people and why evil people seem to prosper is not an easy one to answer. However, Scripture provides us with both comfort and clarity. We live in a fallen world, where suffering and injustice are a reality, but God is still sovereign and just. The prosperity of the wicked is temporary, while the rewards of the righteous are eternal.

As we navigate life’s difficulties, we must trust that God’s plan is greater than we can understand. Even in our suffering, we are never alone—God walks with us, refines us, and gives us hope for a future that far outweighs the trials of this world. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, holding onto the promise of God’s eternal justice and grace.

Bishop & Most Reverend Lon Calvin Whitfield
Fellowship Ministry, West Orange, NJ