When Life Feels Unjust
Keeping an Eternal Perspective
At some point, we all face the reality that life isn’t fair. We see good people suffer while the wicked prosper. We endure hardships and wonder, “Why, God? How could You allow this?” These thoughts can lead some away from the Lord, questioning His justice and love. However, as Christians, we must recognize that the unfairness of life is not God’s fault, nor is it punishment or "karma." Instead, it is a consequence of free will, a fallen world, and natural occurrences.
Why Is Life Unfair?
Many assume that suffering is a sign of God's disapproval, but Scripture teaches otherwise. The unfairness of life results from:
The Free Will of Man
God gave humans free will, which means people have the ability to choose right or wrong. Unfortunately, the choices of others can negatively impact us. The Bible warns, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV). Sometimes we reap the consequences of our own actions, but other times, we suffer because of the sinful choices of others.
The Consequences of Sin
When sin entered the world, it brought suffering, disease, and death. Romans 5:12 states, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” The brokenness we see around us is a direct result of mankind’s departure from God’s original design. None of us are without fault—“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV). Because of sin, we live in a world where pain and injustice exist, not as a punishment from God, but as the natural consequences of our actions.
Time and Chance Happen to All
Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.” Not every hardship is a direct result of sin—sometimes, things just happen. Natural disasters, sickness, and loss are part of living in a world that is not as God intended.
God Works Through Unfairness
Although life’s unfairness is not from God, He can work through it to accomplish good. Consider Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet, later in life, he declared, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).
Paul also endured great suffering—beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks—yet he confidently wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NKJV). Though we may not see it at the time, God often uses life’s trials to shape us, teach us, and accomplish His will.
How Should We Respond?
Trust in God’s Wisdom
We won’t always understand why things happen, but we must trust that God sees the bigger picture. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).
Avoid Envy and Bitterness
It’s easy to look at the wicked and wonder why they seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. But Psalm 73:17 reminds us that their end is destruction. “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.”
We must not be deceived—God’s justice will prevail in the end.
Give Thanks in All Things
Instead of focusing on life’s unfairness, we should cultivate gratitude for God’s blessings. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV).
Persevere in Faith
Trials should not drive us away from God but closer to Him. James 1:2-4 encourages us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Hardships refine us and make us stronger in faith.
God is Good - and That is Enough
Life isn’t fair—but God is always just, merciful, and faithful. One day, in eternity, all wrongs will be made right, and we will see things from His perspective. Until then, we must live by faith, trust in His plan, and remain grateful for all that He provides.
As Job said after losing everything, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21, NKJV).
May we always remember that while life may be unfair, God is good—and that is enough.