Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Romans 8:18-28

Romans 8:18-28 · Berean Standard Bible

Paul's answer to why God allows suffering is not a formula but a promise: 'our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.' He describes a whole creation groaning as in childbirth, awaiting redemption, and the Spirit interceding for us in our weakness. The passage lands on Romans 8:28 — that God works all things together for the good of those who love him — reframing pain as something God redeems rather than wastes.

18I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

19The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.

20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.

23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?

25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Read the wider context: Romans 8.

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