Navigating the Unfairness of Life
Romans 8:35-39 and Psalm 34:18
A funeral homily for a tragic death because of violence.
We are gathered this afternoon to mourn a profound and tragic loss that feels incomprehensible and unfair. Moments like this challenge our hearts and faith, causing us to face a violent world and experiencing things no one should ever have to go through. The words of the author Edward Abbey give voice to this harsh truth: “Life is unfair. And it’s not fair that life is unfair.”
This week, we are dealing with a painful reality that shakes our understanding of the world. We are left with unanswered questions, deep grief, and heavy hearts. As we reflect on this truth, we must turn to God’s Word, not for easy answers, for there are none, but for the comfort and hope that can carry us through this dark valley.
One of the most painful truths about life is that bad things happen to good people. Sometimes, the kindest, most loving, and most generous individuals face the harshest trials. Today, we grieve the loss of someone who did not deserve the tragedy that has befallen them. We want to scream, “This is not right!” And you know what? It isn’t. Your loved one did not deserve this.
Jesus, the most innocent and good person to ever walk the earth, suffered an unjust death at the hands of violent people. He knows what it’s like to experience the brokenness and unfairness of this world. Even though we often wish there were a cosmic system of fairness—where the good are rewarded and the bad are punished—we know that isn’t how the world works. It hurts to admit this, but tragedy and sorrow often come to the innocent in this fallen world. It is unfair, and it’s okay to feel the total weight of that truth today.
Everything that happens does not have a reason. It’s natural for us to search for meaning in moments of suffering, to ask, “Why did this happen?” We long for answers, hoping to find a reason behind the pain. But sometimes, the most painful realization is that there may be no apparent reason. Life in a broken world often brings chaos and heartbreak, and not everything has a divine purpose behind it.
In tragedy, people may offer phrases like “Everything happens for a reason,” but the truth is, some events have no explanation that will satisfy our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us there is a time for everything, but it doesn’t always tell us why things happen when they do. We may never know why this tragedy occurred, and that can be hard to accept. But it’s important to remember that God is not the cause or catalyst for such bad things. We might be tempted to blame God for the tragedies we face. We ask, “Why did God let this happen?” But it’s crucial to understand that God is not the author of evil or suffering. God does not cause pain or inflict harm on God’s children. The world’s brokenness is a result of sin, and the tragic events we experience often result from living in this imperfect reality.
God’s character is revealed in Scripture as loving, compassionate, and just. God is the one who heals, restores and brings life. While God permits us to walk through difficult times, God does not initiate the pain we endure. Instead, God is our refuge in those times. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is not standing aloof, watching from a distance. God is right here, grieving with us, holding us in the embrace of divine love.
God promises to be with us in our grief. God does not cause of our pain, but God is certainly present with us in it. The Bible promises that God is near to the brokenhearted, and today, we need that closeness more than ever. In moments like these, when the weight of grief feels too heavy to bear, we can find solace in knowing that God walks with us. God is neither absent nor indifferent to our time of suffering. Jesus, who wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, weeps with us now. He understands the depths of human sorrow and assures us that the Spirit will provide comfort in our darkest hours.
God doesn’t ask us to pretend everything is okay. Instead, God invites us to bring our raw emotions to him for mercy and grace. In that place of vulnerability, God offers peace. That peace may not remove our pain, but it reminds us that we do not walk this path alone. God is here, sharing in our grief and holding us as we mourn.
There is hope for the future, even though we may not feel it now. In times of deep loss, hope can feel far away. It may seem impossible to believe that anything good can come from this tragedy. But even when we can’t see it, there is hope. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love of God. That love carries us through the worst of times, and it promises that there is more to come. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have hope that death is not the end. For those who place their faith in Christ, there is the promise of eternal life, a place where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more unfairness. We can trust that God is working to bring redemption, even in the midst of tragedy.
In his book, Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey writes, “We tend to think, ‘Life should be fair because God is fair.’ But God is not life. And if I confuse God with the physical reality of life- by expecting constant good health for example- then I set myself up for crashing disappointment.” Though we may not feel it now, the day will come when we experience God’s healing and restoration. Until then, we hold onto the hope that God is faithful and that one day, all wrongs will be made right.
Benediction: Now may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. As we leave this place, may God’s presence surround you in your grief, comfort you in your pain, and give you strength for the days ahead. And may the love of God, the grace of Jesus, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit carry you with hope, even in the midst of sorrow. Amen.
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