The Blog
If God Is Love, Why Does Evil Exist?
By Becky Hunt
If God embodies love and goodness, why does He allow evil in the world?
This is a question that many of us have pondered deeply, a genuine question that deserves a thoughtful response rather than a quick answer.
From the Catholic viewpoint, we must journey back to the beginning.
Created for Love and Relationship
We are not accidents. We were created intentionally and lovingly.
In Genesis 1:26–27, we learn that God created man and woman in His image. This means we were made to reflect Him — to know Him, to love Him, and to live in relationship with Him. Saint Paul echoes this in Ephesians 1:4–5, saying that God chose us “before the foundation of the world” and destined us for adoption as His children.
From the start, the story is about relationship. But real love requires something essential.
Love Must Be Free
Love that is forced isn’t love at all. God could have created robots who automatically obeyed Him. But instead, He gave us free will and the ability to choose.
Sirach 15:14–17 puts it beautifully: “God in the beginning created human beings and made them subject to their own free choice… Before everyone are life and death, whichever they choose will be given them.” That freedom is a gift. But it also means we can misuse it.
God Does Not Create Evil
Scripture is clear: evil does not come from God.
The Book of Wisdom says, “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being, and the creatures of the world are wholesome… It was the wicked who with hands and words invited death” (Wisdom 1:13–16).
So where does evil come from?
From the enemy — the devil, who tempts.
From our wounded human nature (what Christians call original sin).
From our own choices.
When humanity first turned away from God, sin entered the world. And ever since, evil has continued to influence hearts, cultures, and systems. But even then, God did not leave us without guidance. Throughout Scripture, God urges His people to choose what is good. That invitation still stands today. Every choice shapes us, moving us either closer to Him or farther away.
God’s Answer to Evil
And here is the heart of Christianity: God did not respond to evil by abandoning us. He entered into it. Because He loves us and desires to restore relationship with us, He sent His Son, Jesus. Not just to teach. Not just to inspire. But to save.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus atoned for sin — past, present, and future. Salvation is a gift. But like any gift, it must be received.
So What Should We Do?
The prophet Joel says, “Return to [the LORD] with your whole heart… for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:12–13).
Tobit gives simple, practical guidance: turn from sin, do good, be generous, seek wisdom (see Tobit 4).
The response is not complicated, though it is life-changing:
Turn toward God.
Get to know Jesus.
Repent of sin.
Begin following His ways.
We know that following Jesus isn't easy, especially in today's society. But Jesus never promised comfort without cost. In Matthew 16:24–26, He says: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me… What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” In Luke 9:22–25, He reminds us that trying to “save” our life on our own terms leads to losing it, but surrendering it to Him leads to true life.
The world encourages selfishness, comfort, and instant gratification.
Jesus calls us to self-giving love, sacrifice, and holiness.
It’s a narrow road, but it leads somewhere eternal.
Do Not Despair
Here is the hope that anchors everything: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4–5). Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness” (John 8:12).
Evil is real. Temptation is real. Suffering is real. But they are not ultimate. Jesus has overcome the world. His light is brighter than any darkness you might face. And He is still inviting you into relationship with Him.
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