Does God Care?
Let us begin with the question, Does God care about us?
Sadly, many people think that the answer is no. Why do they feel that way? One reason is that they live in a world full of hatred, war, and suffering. ‘If God really cared,’ they reason, ‘surely he would prevent such tragic things from happening.’
Another reason why people think that God does not care about us is that religious leaders have made them feel that way.
What do clergymen often say when tragedy strikes?
When one woman lost her two small children in an car accident, her minister said: "It was God’s will. God needed two more angels."
When clergymen make such comments, they are actually blaming God for the bad things that happen.
Yet, the disciple James wrote: "When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone." (James 1:13) Jehovah God never causes what is bad. Indeed, "far be it from the true God to act wickedly."—Job 34:10
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Why, then, is there so much wickedness and suffering?
One reason is that mankind in general has rejected God as Ruler, not wanting to submit to his righteous laws and principles.
Humans have unwittingly submitted to God’s Adversary, Satan, for "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19)
Knowledge of this fact makes it easier to understand why bad situations exist.
Satan is evil, hateful, deceptive, and cruel. So we should expect the world to reflect the personality of its ruler.
No wonder there is so much wickedness!
Human imperfection is another reason for the suffering we experience.
Sinful humans tend to struggle for dominance, and that often results in wars, oppression, and suffering. Ecclesiastes 8:9 aptly says: "Man has dominated man to his injury."
A further reason for suffering is "time and unforeseen occurrence." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) People often experience calamity because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It is comforting to learn that Jehovah does not cause suffering.
But does God truly care about what is going on in our lives?
The heartwarming answer is yes! We know that Jehovah cares because his inspired Word tells us why he has allowed humans to pursue a bad course.
God’s reasons involve two issues: his sovereignty and the integrity of humans. Because he is the almighty Creator, Jehovah is not obligated to tell us why he permits suffering. Yet, he tells us because he cares about us.
Consider further evidence that God cares about us. He "felt hurt at his heart" when badness filled the earth in the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:5, 6)
Does God feel differently today? No, for he does not change. (Malachi 3:6)
He detests injustice and hates to see people suffer.
The Bible teaches that God will soon undo all the harm that has resulted from human rule and from the influence of the Devil. Is that not convincing proof that God cares about us?
Religious leaders misrepresent God when they say that the tragedies we experience are his will.
On the contrary, Jehovah longs to end human suffering. "He cares for you," says 1 Peter 5:7. That is what the Bible really teaches!
