Why do people suffer, if God is perfect?

Question:

A relative of mine asks me why people suffer if God is perfect. I have no answer and want one as I have pondered this my self. Thank you for your time.

Answer:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of the this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

So we see that suffering helps us to appreciate the future benefits of Heaven (if we are truly saved).

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

We see from this verse that death is the direct result of sin. In other words, if man had never sinned, we would not die!

Check out the following verses. Our suffering can help us to comfort others who are suffering themselves:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” (II Corinthians 1:3-7)

And when we think it’s tough going for us, we should always consider Christ:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)