This blog is a landing article for social media readers. It only has excerpts of the full FAQs on this topic.
https://whatsgoddoing.com/faqs/the-6-year-old-picture-story/
https://whatsgoddoing.com/faqs/why-does-god-allow-bad-things-to-happen/
Many people, including people that do not believe in Christianity, have said the 6-year-old picture story is the first time they have heard an explanation that makes sense for why a loving God would let bad things happen. You are encouraged to read the linked pages above, but here are some key points:
- Sometimes tough love is the best love.
- Listening to and following wise advice leads to a better life. Not doing so leads to problems.
- Parents are looking at the whole life of their of their child. Typically, the child is only looking at “now” and “me”.
Loving and wise parents understand that sometimes a child needs to go through a tough lesson to build good long term character.
Key concepts:
- The child focuses on “now” while the loving and wise parent sometimes sees “future character” as most important.
- We see this life on earth as the child sees “now” while God is looking at our overall eternal life.
- Like the child, we can experience a better “now” if we decide to trust our loving and wise Heavenly Father.
If nothing else, read the 6-year-old word picture linked above and the verses at the bottom of the FAQ on why God allows bad things to happen such as these (each is summarized):
- Matthew 13:24-30: This time on earth exposes our true heart
- Romans 5:3-4: Suffering produces endurance, character and hope
- 2 Corinthians 7:9-10: Godly grief produces repentance
- Romans 8:28: God works all things together for our good