We like to think that people get what they deserve, that a bad person will experience bad things and good people will experience good things. We long for a sense of fairness and justice as the outcome of our actions. However, it simply isn’t true that people always get what they deserve. Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, sold over 4 million copies in a dozen languages. Obviously, people all over the world are searching for answers as to why good people suffer while bad people experience prosperity and health. We want to believe that we have control, that if we are good, good things will happen; however, we witness and experience many situations that are just the opposite. When good things happen, it’s called grace, and when bad things happen, it’s called life. We do bring on ourselves some problems, pain, and struggles because of our actions (reaping what we’ve sown); but we often face hurt and pain we don’t deserve, and some losses are unexplainable. To find an answer or fix blame, people often say, “It was God’s will.” What a disturbing conclusion! Not everything is God’s will. Some bad things happen because we make mistakes, some happen because someone else made a bad decision, and some happen because we live in a fallen and broken world. 

Scriptures – Ecclesiastes 8:14; Matthew 5:4; Psalm 34:18; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 12:15; Job 21:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:12-13; Psalm 125:1; 2 Samuel 22:29-31; Psalm 62:2

Verses – There is something else that happens on earth that does not seem fair. Bad things should happen to bad people, and good things should happen to good people. But sometimes bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. This is not fair. (Ec 8:14) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Th 5:18) Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance. (Ps 125:1) 

Thought – How are we to face grief and pain that feels unjust and unfair? First, deal with the situation. Acknowledge your hurt, sadness. Mourning and grieving are part of facing whatever you are going through. Next, focus on others. It’s easy to become so self-absorbed that your perspective becomes small. Find support from Christian friends. They help give you another perspective as well as providing comfort, strength, and companionship through your pain. And don’t allow bitterness and anger to overtake you. You get to choose how you will handle your situation. You can either be bitter or better. This may be easier said than done. However, if you focus on what’s left rather than what’s lost and count your blessings, gratitude will overpower bitterness every time. The greatest things we have are the relationships, the people in our lives. Remember what’s important. And lastly, lean on God. He will provide an anchor, a rock of stability through your time of turmoil and trouble. Allow him to lead you through.

Questions – Identify one of the greatest injustices you feel you have experienced. How did you handle the situation? Were you bitter? How did you get better? How did others provide strength and comfort? Is there anything going on in your life now that you are struggling with, feeling it is unfair? How are you facing it?

Response – Make a list of your blessings, thank God for them. Develop an attitude of gratitude so that when “unfair” things happen, you are securely anchored by God’s love and rely on his strength.

Prayer – (Serenity Prayer) God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Guide me by your Holy Spirit and give me your wisdom and discernment. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.