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The Purpose of God's Goodness in Times of Affliction

God's goodness, a perfection of His character encompassing benevolence, mercy, pity, compassion, and grace, is consistently exercised toward His creatures [5]. Even in times of affliction, biblical texts and theological traditions affirm that God's goodness remains active, often with specific purposes for His people. Afflictions are common to all humanity, yet they are directed by God and intended for the good of individuals and the glory of God [1].

One primary purpose of God's goodness in affliction is to promote His glory [1, 2]. The suffering of individuals, such as the man born blind in John 9:1-3, can serve to exhibit God's works and power [2]. Similarly, the illness and death of Lazarus were permitted so that the Son of God might be glorified through them (John 11:3-4) [2]. Afflictions also serve to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness, as seen in passages like Psalm 34:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, where believers experience divine sustenance amidst hardship [2].

Affliction is also understood as a means through which God teaches His will and draws people closer to Himself [2]. Psalm 119:71 states, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." This sentiment is echoed in Isaiah 26:9 and Micah 6:9 [2]. Hardship can turn individuals to God, as illustrated in Deuteronomy 4:30-31 and Hosea 2:6-7, prompting them to seek Him in prayer [2, 6]. John Gill notes that a time of affliction is a proper season for prayer, bringing individuals to the throne of grace when humbled [10]. Afflictions can also prevent believers from straying from God, as suggested by Job 34:31-32 and Ezekiel 14:10-11 [2]. They can lead to conviction of sin, causing individuals to reflect on their actions and turn to repentance, as seen in Job 36:8-9 and Luke 15:16-18 [2].

The goodness of God in affliction is further manifested in His provision of support and comfort. While God appoints and dispenses afflictions, He does not willingly send them (Lamentations 3:33) [8]. Instead, He delivers the poor in their affliction, not necessarily by removing the suffering, but by supporting them, supplying grace to bear it patiently, and granting His presence for comfort [13]. The psalmist expresses confidence in God's loving-kindness, even in adversity, stating, "I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities" (Psalm 31:7) [4]. This loving-kindness is described as great, excellent, marvelous, and everlasting, and it is through Christ [9, 12]. God "commands his lovingkindness" in the daytime, sending it forth with power and making a clear manifestation of it to His people [15].

Believers are called to endure sorrows with patience, recognizing that suffering unjustly for the sake of God finds favor with Him (1 Peter 2:19) [1, 3]. Indeed, if it is God's purpose for one to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing (1 Peter 3:17) [7]. The apostle Paul refers to present sufferings as "light affliction," which is working for believers "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) [1, 11]. This perspective highlights that afflictions, though difficult, are temporary and serve a greater, eternal purpose in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39) [1]. Adam Clarke warns against wishing for death during affliction, noting that while affliction may be a means of salvation, a premature, wished-for death could lead to eternal destruction if one is unprepared to meet God [14].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Afflictions — Common to all (Job 5:7; 14:1; Ps. 34:19); are for the good of men (James 1:2, 3, 12; 2 Cor. 12:7) and the glory of God (2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Pet. 4:14), and are to be borne with patience by the Lord's people (Ps. 94:12; Prov. 3:12). They are all directed by God (Lam. 3:33), and will result in the everlasting good of his people (2 Cor. 4:16-18) in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:35-39).”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  3. I Peter “I Peter 2:19 (LEB) — For this finds favor, if because of consciousness of God someone endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.”
  4. Psalms “I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities. -- Psalms 31:7”
  5. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Goodness of God — A perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Ps. 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of his creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favour on the unworthy it is grace. "Goodness and justice are the several aspects of one unchangeable, infinitely wise, and sovereign moral perfection. God is not sometimes ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
  7. I Peter “I Peter 3:17 (BBE) — Because if it is God's purpose for you to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing.”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions — God appoints -- 2Ki 6:33; Job 5:6,17; Ps 66:11; Am 3:6; Mic 6:9. God dispenses, as He will -- Job 11:10; Isa 10:15; 45:7. God regulates the measure of -- Ps 80:5; Isa 9:1; Jer 46:28. God determines the continuance of -- Ge 15:13,14; Nu 14:33; Isa 10:25; Jer 29:10. God does not willingly send -- La 3:33. Man is born to -- Job 5:6,7; 14:1. Saints appointed to -- 1Th 3:3. Consequent upon the fall -- Ge 3:16-19. Sin produces -- Job 4:8; 20:11; Pr 1:31. Sin visited with -- 2Sa 12:14; Ps 89:30-32; Isa 57:17; Ac 13:10,11. Often severe -- Job 16:7-16; Ps 42:7; ”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Loving-Kindness of God, The — Is through Christ -- Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4-6. Described as Great. -- Ne 9:17. Excellent. -- Ps 36:7. Good. -- Ps 69:16. Marvellous. -- Ps 17:7; 31:21. Multitudinous. -- Isa 63:7. Everlasting. -- Isa 54:8. Merciful. -- Ps 117:2. Better than life. -- Ps 63:3. Consideration of the dealings of God gives a knowledge of -- Ps 107:43. Saints Betrothed in. -- Ho 2:19. Drawn by. -- Jer 31:3. Preserved by. -- Ps 40:11. Quickened after. -- Ps 119:88. Comforted by. -- Ps 119:76. Look for mercy through. -- Ps 51:1. Receive mercy through. -- Isa 54:8. Are ”
  10. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 107:16: Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,.... A time of affliction is a time of trouble, and a proper season for prayer; and by it persons are brought to the throne of grace, when humbled under the mighty hand of God, to seek for relief. Hezekiah in his affliction prayed to the Lord, though Asa sought to the physicians only, and not to the Lord; this is to be understood of such who are convinced of their folly, brought to a sense of sin and danger, and therefore cry to the Lord for his sparing mercy, and pardoning grace. And he saveth them out of their distres”
  11. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 4:16: For our light affliction,.... The difference between the present and future state of the saints is here expressed, the disparity between them shown, and the influence the one has upon the other. The present state is a state of "affliction". Affliction is the common lot of the children of men, but more especially of the children of God, and is here designed by "our" affliction; for these, besides their soul trouble, meet with such in the world, and from the men of it, others do not. Afflictions are appointed for them by their heavenly Father; provision is made f”
  12. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 69:16: Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good,.... His lovingkindness to him, not only as his Son, but as Mediator; and which is a love of complacency and delight, and was from eternity, and will be to eternity: and this is "good", as appears by the effects and evidences of it; such as putting all things into his hands, showing him all that he does, concealing and keeping nothing from him, appointing him to be the Saviour of his people, the Head of the church, and the Judge of the world; and this lovingkindness shown to him is a reason why he might expect to be hea”
  13. Job (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Job 36:15: He delivereth the poor in his affliction,.... The righteous or godly poor; who are not only poor in worldly things, but poor in spirit; who are humbled, brought low, and made contrite, through the afflicting hand of God: these, though the Lord does sooner or later deliver "out" of their afflictions, yet that is not intended here, but a deliverance "in" them; which is done by supporting them under them, by supplying them with his grace to bear them patiently, by granting them his gracious presence for their comfort in them, by stilling the enemy and the avenger, keeping ”
  14. Job (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Job 36:21: Regard not iniquity - It is sinful to entertain such wishes; it is an insult to the providence of God. He sends affliction; he knows this to be best for thee: but thou hast preferred death to affliction, thereby setting thy wisdom against the wisdom of God. Many in affliction, long for death; and yet they are not prepared to appear before God! What madness is this! If he takes them at their wish, they are ruined for ever. Affliction may be the means of their salvation; the wished-for death, of their eternal destruction.”
  15. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 42:8: Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime,.... Which is a tender affection in God towards his people, springs from his sovereign will and pleasure, is from everlasting, is ever the same, never removes from them, and is better than life; the effects of which are all spiritual blessings, grace, and glory: and this the Lord "commands" when he sends it forth with power, makes a clear manifestation and home application of it to them; when he commands his covenant, or bestows covenant blessings on them; when he commands his strength, or gives them strength”
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