How can I believe in the goodness of God when there is so much evil in the world?

Answer  
  

The evil in the world did not come from God. Adam and Eve were tempted by the devil and sinned. Immediately after that, Adam and Eve were just not on the same page with God anymore. God cannot tolerate sin and has no sin within Himself, so mankind hid from God in guilt and fear. One could perhaps blame Adam and Eve for the evil in the world, as they blamed each other and the serpent; however, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23\). It is safe to say that, had we been in the garden instead of Adam and Eve, we would have sinned in the same way.  
  

[God is good](God-is-good.html) in that He has a plan to redeem fallen mankind. The salvation Jesus provides attests to His goodness and love (Romans 5:8\). The effect of the Fall is universal, but so also is the offer of divine grace (John 3:16\). The Bible clearly indicates the devastating effects of sin upon man and the hopelessness of man in solving his own sin problem. The proper understanding of the doctrine of sin is essential to understanding God’s remedy for it.   
  

God is good in that He has sent His Son “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8\). Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31\), which means Satan has been allowed a certain amount of [authority over this earth](Satan-power.html). The blame for the evil in this world should be placed squarely upon Satan. Much is written about the devil—he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10\). He is a fierce enemy (1 Peter 5:8\). He is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44\). By contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11\). He is the Lamb of God, sacrificed for us (Revelation 5:6\). He is the truth and the life (John 14:6\). Jesus is the “seed of the woman” to crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15\). Jesus is Goodness incarnate.  
  

God is good in that He is implementing a plan to rid the universe of evil once and for all. He is the God of justice, and He will one day make all things right (Psalm 89:14; Revelation 21:5\). Sin and evil will be dealt with in perfect judgment (Revelation 20:13\). Because of Christ, we have the promise of Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”  
  

God is good in that He provides for His children (Matthew 6:33\). He gives life to all and upholds all things by His wisdom and power (Hebrews 1:3\). He is patient with sinners, desiring them to come to [repentance](repentance.html) and find eternal life (2 Peter 3:9\). God gives us eternal life and abundant life now, free from the death penalty of sin (Romans 6:23\). He is “rich in mercy” because of “His great love for us” (Ephesians 2:4\).  
  

Just picture the Sinless One who created everything, willfully hanging on a cross and spilling His blood for the sin of those who put their faith in Him. Who can charge Him with injustice (Romans 9:14\)? Jesus proves God’s love. “Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7\-8\).  
  

