Why would a good God allow suffering?

Faith in God and His Son is similarly simple. How do we believe that Jesus was the Messiah, buoyancy and all? We live by His values, following the core tenets He set in motion. Forgiveness is prescribed by the water-walking Almighty, a tough pill for the wronged to swallow but perhaps a worthy endeavor in the face of eternal consequences. Adherents cannot repay evil with evil, but must strive to love enemies. Nowhere does it say, though, that we must contort ourselves into welcome mats for unholy boots. Justice remains a virtue for merciful souls. Jesus, in fact, grabbed a whip and advised a sword. When assaulted, though, He commands His followers to turn at least one cheek before striking back. The mode is peace, suffering what can be endured to avoid additional conflict.

“The practice of that which is ethically best—what we call goodness or virtue—involves a course of conduct which, in all respects, is opposed to that which leads to success in the cosmic struggle for existence.” Thomas Huxley

Humility, sacrifice, and compassion flow after rejecting revenge. Christians recognize failure without condemnation, and dauntlessly suffer setbacks to believe in a grand scheme. While negotiating life’s trials, they must also be ready to give of themselves to help those in need. While Jesus called for self-sacrifice, He never commanded self-harm, so vital generosity must have reasonable bounds. Charity will ultimately be judged by Christ, not a parade of shaky institutions with their hands out.