I’m going to (not) shock you by stating a simple truth: life is unfair. There are some oft-quoted questions that go along with this truth. Why is it unfair? Can God exist if life is unfair? If God exists, how can He be just and let so many bad things happen? If there were a God, wouldn’t He have done something about it?
The unfairness of life is a fair topic for consideration and discussion. If God does not exist and there is no purpose to life at all, then nothing means anything and why bother asking? You’ve got your answer. Some people fall prey to this, and frankly it’s understandable. It’s a trap, but it’s understandable. It’s hard to have faith in an unfair world sometimes. In a rather delicious irony, those who are atheists would actually have to have the power of a god to know that there is no God. Be aware of the trap: if life has no meaning, it’s all or nothing. This would also mean that love, family relationships, integrity, all are a waste of time except as they serve our selfish interests. There is no point in service to others at all, we ought not feel joy at all in unselfish pursuits. Since reality shouts the lie to this, let us assume there is meaning to life.
The harder question is how to reconcile the existence of an all-powerful, good and loving God with the world we live in. We don’t have to look very hard to find evidence of unfairness. Poverty, discrimination and oppression, pandemics, terrorism, dictatorships, even genocide have all been present. Let us break down various types of unfairness in order to tackle such a broad topic, starting with some easier ones.
Children often complain about unfairness. If two siblings each receive the same allowance, one buys candy with it and the other saves their money and buys a bicycle, is that unfair? It wasn’t parents that were unfair, it was the choices of a sibling that created the inequality. Our decisions likewise will yield either long-term advantages or disadvantages. We cannot be justified in feeling treated unfairly when we have the same opportunity.
Another example of unfairness may be examined by an example: if sibling A gets new shoes and sibling B does not, is that unfair? Let’s say that the last pair of new shoes also went to sibling A. Sibling B is asked if her shoes fit, and she replies yes. Sibling A’s shoes do not fit. If sibling B agrees that everyone should have shoes that fit, her perception of being treated unfairly will likely disappear.
It’s really the unexplained unfairness that can be infuriating. That some have disabilities seems inherently unfair. The fact that some are born into wealth and others to poverty also seems unfair. The deaths of the young also can seem unfair. Let us consider things from a Christian perspective.. Christianity is overall the largest organized religion in the world, and it’s one I belong to.
Let’s imagine a world in which life is fair, and let me know when you start to feel uncomfortable. There would be no natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc, because God would intervene and stop them. There would be no wars, because God would stop the people from starting them. There would be no corruption, because God would not allow people to be dishonest. There would be no abuse because God would either directly intervene or send police at just the right time. There would be no murder because God would stop it all Himself. There would be no theft because God would stop it–even if you stole a candy bar He would intervene. God would only allow you and me freedom to make choices as long as none of them were too bad, otherwise he would take control of us or our lives. We would not be allowed to make bad decisions that would indirectly cause unfairness to anyone. Is that the kind of world you want to live in, where we do not have freedom? It’s not possible to have free will in those circumstances.
I will begin by testifying that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy. Let us recall that nothing compares to the unfairness He endured. It is unarguably unfair that He experienced all the pains and afflictions of mankind, and suffered for our sins and mistakes. He chose to do so because of His love for you and me, and for Heavenly Father. One of the consequences of His suffering is that He understands perfectly what we are experiencing (Heb 4:15). He empathizes perfectly with us, and is always aware of us and our circumstances.
We can come boldly to the Savior and receive compassion, healing and help. Even while we suffer inexplicably God can bless us in many ways. As we learn to recognize these blessings for that they are, our trust in God will increase. In the eternities, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will resolve all unfairness. What we want to know is how and when. As far as I know, They have not revealed this. What I can testify of is that They will.
In unfair situations, or when we see disaster, one of our tasks is to trust that all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This means that the consequences of unfairness will be resolved or lifted. We are promised in no less than three scriptures that that there will come a day when “God shall wipe away all tears” from us (Isa 25:8, Rev 7:17, Rev 21:4).
As we develop faith in Jesus Christ, we should also try to become like Him. Then we will approach others with compassion and try to alleviate unfairness where we find it. How we deal with advantages and disadvantages is part of life’s test. We will be judged not so much by what we say but by how we treat the vulnerable and disadvantaged. As we become more like our Savior we develop more empathy, understanding, and charity.
When faced with unfairness, we can push ourselves away from God or we can be drawn toward Him for help and support. There are examples of this throughout scripture, and in the lives of many millions of people today. Don’t let unfairness harden you or corrode your faith. Instead, ask God for help. Increase your appreciation for and reliance on the Savior. Rather than becoming bitter, let Him help you become better! Allow Him to help you persevere, to let your afflictions be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” Join Him in His mission to “heal the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18) and strive to alleviate suffering and unfairness.
Your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be rewarded more than you and I can imagine. All unfairness–especially infuriating unfairness–will be consecrated for your gain! The Lord has promised unto all those faithful that mourn will receive a crown of glory and “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isa 61:3). Finally, remember the Lord’s words: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). I am indebted to the Apostle Dale G Renlund for the topic and much of the content of this article
