Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?
Most of us have wondered at some point: “Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Why doesn’t He just get rid of those who do evil?” These questions are honest, human, and deeply spiritual.
Years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young and later watched the film. Both helped me see certain things from a different angle — not perfectly, but in ways that opened my heart to God’s perspective.
In Chapter 10, Mack asks Jesus why God doesn’t simply take control of the world to protect its beauty. Jesus explains that God refuses to impose His will because true relationships must be built on love, not force. Love cannot be coerced.
“Here Come Da Judge” — A Deeper Look
When Mack enters the cavern, he is still carrying unbearable grief and anger. The loss of his daughter has left him questioning everything — God’s goodness, justice, and love. He wants answers, but what he receives is something far deeper: a confrontation with his own heart.
Inside the cavern, he meets a regal, olive‑skinned woman standing behind a great ebony desk. She represents God’s justice — not cold or punitive, but radiant with mercy. Their conversation becomes one of the most piercing moments in the story.
She asks Mack to take the seat of judgment himself. Mack is told to choose which people deserve heaven and which deserve hell. At first, he lists murderers and abusers — those who have caused deep suffering. But then she turns the question inward: “What about your own children?”
Mack is horrified. He cannot choose. When pressed, he finally breaks down and cries that he would rather go to hell himself than condemn any of his children.
That is the turning point. Mack realizes that this is how God feels about humanity. The Father’s love is so deep that He would rather suffer Himself than lose His children. It reflects what Jesus did on the cross — taking our place, bearing our judgment, so that we might live.
This scene reveals that divine justice is not about retribution; it’s about restoration. God’s judgment flows from love, not anger. He sees every heart, every wound, and longs to heal rather than destroy. Through this encounter, Mack begins to understand that forgiveness is not weakness — it is the strongest expression of love.
I highly recommend the book or the movie. It’s deeply thought‑provoking.
The truth is: we are all God’s children, and He desires that none should perish. He is patient, giving every person time to turn toward Him. If we want to reflect His heart, we must also become patient — long‑suffering even — praying for all people, including our enemies, to come to know the Father and His Son, Jesus.
As Jesus prayed:
“And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
— John 17:3
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34 (NIV)
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