10. How does the great controversy explain the mystery of suffering?

The first step is to understand that evil did NOT originate with God. He who loves righteousness and hates lawlessness is not to blame for the world’s misery. Satan, a fallen angel, is responsible for cruelty and suffering. We can better understand violence, hate, calamities, pandemics, suffering and death when we see them in the framework of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, good and evil—which culminates in the destruction of Satan and his trail of woe. JTL15 13.1

Two great truths regarding God’s authority emerge from centuries of this cosmic conflict: JTL15 13.2

1. A governing authority based on love will always govern unselfishly in the best interests of the governed. The laws, requirements, and restraints of a love-based government bring greater joy, health, and meaning to life, drawing one into greater connection with the Lawgiver. JTL15 13.3

2. In contrast, authority motivated by selfishness ultimately exploits and ruins its subjects, despite promises of pleasure, freedom, and prosperity. JTL15 13.4

The cosmic controversy shows that the Creator brought into existence sinless angels and human beings, some of whom exercised their free will to rebel against a good, just, and merciful Creator. Consequently, the earth is filled with the terrible results of rebellion. The righteous as well as the unrighteous suffer the effects of sin’s reign, including death. However, the believer is the recipient of God’s redeeming grace and comforting promises of the blessed hope of Christ’s return, the resurrection of the just, and the end of the controversy. JTL15 13.5