Why does God let good things happen to bad people?
In addition to wondering why God allows bad things to happen to good people, many wonder why God allows good things to happen to bad people. What does the Bible teach concerning this issue?First, Jesus clearly taught that many of His blessings fall upon all people regardless of their behavior or response toward Him. Matthew 5:45 notes, "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Acts 14:17 adds, "Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."
Second, we often only see the good that happens to bad people rather than the entire situation. For example, Asaph noted in Psalm 73:4-5, "For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind." In his discouraged situation, Asaph only saw the good things the wicked experienced instead of both their blessings and struggles.
Third, the blessings the wicked experience are limited only to this life. In the account of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was asking for help in his torment. He was reminded that good things took place during his life on earth while Lazarus lived in suffering. Abraham told the rich man, "remember that you in your lifetime received your good things" (Luke 16:25). In eternity, God's children will enjoy eternal joy while those who are not Christ followers will experience eternal separation from God.
In Malachi 2:17, God's people were rebuked for questioning God's goodness upon those who do evil. We read, "You have wearied the LORD with your words. But you say, 'How have we wearied him?' By saying, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them.' Or by asking, 'Where is the God of justice?'" God's blessings often apply to all people. Our view of the blessing of the wicked is often very limited. Further, when we question God's blessing upon the wicked, we are looking only from an earthly perspective. Beyond this life, it is the person who has placed his or her faith in Christ by faith who will experience eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). This ultimate blessing of living in God's presence for eternity far outweighs any situation that appears unfair or unjust in this world.
It is not wrong to consider why God blesses those who do evil, but it certainly is an incomplete picture of God's work in our lives and in the lives of others. Instead of questioning God's fairness or justice, we are called to trust in His love and ultimate justice. Those who are persecuted or reviled for their faith in God in this life are considered blessed (Matthew 5:11-12) yet their reward in eternity will be great.
Why does God let bad things happen to good people?
Why does God allow evil?
Is God fair?
Does God love everyone or just Christians?
Does God make mistakes?
Truth about God
