Why would a loving God allow evil things to occur?

In His sovereignty, God has 'allowed' the potential for evil in this world because He created all human beings with moral responsibility. If God did not create each of us with our own will, then we would be nothing more than pre-programmed robots or cosmic pawns. That would be the antithesis of love.

The record of human history bears eloquent and chilling testimony to the fact that we humans have actualized the reality of evil through our choices. Every decision to sin has an impact not only on us, but on those around us. Just look at the news. Such is the heart of sinful man.

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were held personally responsible for the moral choice they made to disobey their Creator. The same is true for you and me. Because of the fall of man, the world is sin cursed. However, the LORD gives us a bigger, ETERNAL picture to look at when considering "the problem of evil."

Having a personal relationship with our Creator, the One True God of the universe, is the purpose of humanity. Understanding this fact is imperative for a correct outlook on life and this world.

As Christ-followers this world is not our home. Tragic events do happen. We live in a real world where real choices have real consequences. But there will come a day when God judges the sin of this world and will make all things new after Jesus returns. Our full view of history is clouded, because unlike God, we don't see the past, present, and future all in one view.

But God is so secure in Himself that He created humanity with the ability to choose. That said, it is only by choosing Jesus, by grace alone through faith alone, that we can discover what true love means... love for God, love for ourselves, and love for our fellow human. True love isn’t shaped like a heart; it’s shaped like a cross.

Jesus came to earth to transform hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. He does this for all those who will repent, call on Him to save them from their sin and its consequences, and live for Him. As finite humans, none of us can guarantee our next breath. This is why nothing is more important than the Good News of the gospel.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God is making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God," 2 Corinthians 5:20.