Why does God allow bad things to happen when we know God to be all good?

None of us has control over the good or bad things that happen in our lives at times. It must be said at the outset that there are issues with regard to our own lives and health that we can control to some extent - for example eating well and exercising. At other times a tragedy or a death happens and it leaves us thinking, with the Old Testament's Job: Why? I don't have the answer to this question which has plagued greater minds than mine for centuries, even milllenia. Why does God allow bad things to happen? Long before humans were on this earth, there was suffering. No one is immune from life, and pain is part of life. Suffering is a part of all of our lives.

We know that even Jesus suffered - this was not an empty gesture of solidarity with us but rather a real embrace of our full humanity. The cross is not a sign of a God who enjoys pain but the pain of a God who loves us - there is no greater sign of love than to suffer with and for someone else. This is what Jesus did for us.

Am I being punished when I am beset with a terrible event in my personal life? No, rather our pain is joined with Jesus in his suffering as a redemptive act in our own lives. This redemptive suffering becomes a real benefit (hard for non-spiritual people to understand) of our relationship with Jesus. This life of Jesus living within us allows us to be more compassionate and understanding of others. Suffering then becomes a gift (I'm not referring to unnecessary suffering).

If you know someone who is suffering, reach out of yourself and go into their life and help to lift their pain. In this you turn something ugly and cruel into a beautiful companionship, with God as the source. Be careful - if you choose to share this answer with someone, it can sound empty. Let them know that you are aware that suffering is an invitation to carry the cross. Know this and help them carry it.