Why Do Good People Suffer?

 

Life is full of paradoxes.

I'm promoted to write this article as a result of my recent encounter with people who got broken for their goodness.

Igbo people will always say this prayer "Ogom egbulemu" meaning, my goodness won't kill me.

One of the most painful questions we often ask is, Why do good people suffer? 

Why do those who are kind, selfless, and honest face hardship, while those who deceive and exploit seem to thrive?

Recently, I met someone who faced betrayal in his work place, all because he refused to compromise his standards.

David is the kind of man who believes in hard work and integrity. 

As a civil servant, he refused to take bribes or engage in shady deals, even when his colleagues pressured him. "Better to sleep with a clear conscience," he always said.

A big contract came up in his office, and David, being the most qualified, expected to be promoted to handle it. 

But because he wouldn’t play politics or bribe his superiors, the opportunity was given to someone less competent. 

To make matters worse, he was transferred to a smaller department where he had no growth prospects.

Now, David’s honesty cost him career advancement. Meanwhile, his colleagues who cut corners were climbing the ladder. 

Where is the justice in that?

Amaka's story is also one that drives home the narrative that good people suffer and the bad thrives.

Amaka is someone you can describe as one with a heart of gold. 

She is the kind of friend who would give her last kobo to help someone in need. 

When her best friend, Cynthia, lost her job, Amaka took her in, fed her, and even helped her find another job.

A few months later, Amaka discovered that Cynthia was spreading rumors about her, calling her proud and controlling. "She thinks because she helped me, she owns me," Cynthia told people.

Amaka was heartbroken. Why does kindness sometimes feel like a curse?

Meeting Mr.Chike and hearing his story, I couldn't help but ask "truly, why do good people suffer"

Mr. Chike is the definition of a devoted husband. He adored his wife, and never looked at another woman. 

He worked hard to provide for his family and spent quality time with his children.

He just discovered that his wife has been having an affair for months. The betrayal shattered him. "I did everything right," he cried out while talking to me, "but it wasn’t enough."

So, Why Do Good People Suffer?

There are no easy answers, but here are a few things to consider:

1. The World Doesn’t Always Reward Goodness Immediately: We often expect that if we do good, good things should happen in return. But life doesn’t work like a vending machine, where you insert kindness and immediately get blessings in return. Sometimes, goodness is tested through trials before it is rewarded.

2. Evil Seems to Prosper, But It Has an Expiry Date: Yes, corrupt politicians, dishonest business people, and betrayers may seem to be winning, but history has shown that their downfall is always around the corner. The same system they cheat eventually turns against them.

3. Suffering Produces Strength and Purpose: Many people who have changed the world, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai, went through immense suffering. Sometimes, hardship shapes people into powerful voices for change.

4. People Take Advantage of Goodness, But That Shouldn’t Stop You: Yes, people like Amaka get betrayed. But does that mean kindness is foolish? No. The world still needs good people, even if they are sometimes hurt in the process.

What Should Good People Do?

Keep being good, but be wise. David could have learned to play office politics without compromising his integrity.

Set boundaries. Amaka didn’t deserve what Cynthia did, but she could learn to be selective in giving.

Understand that suffering isn’t always a punishment, sometimes, it’s preparation for something greater.

Goodness is not a guarantee of a trouble-free life. But in the end, character and legacy matter more than temporary struggles. Keep being good, even when it hurts.

What do you think? Have you ever felt like being good was costing you too much? Let’s talk in the comments!