During Jesus’ earthly ministry, tragedy struck—a tower collapsed, killing eighteen people. Jesus spoke of this event to his disciples, and he gave an answer to the question of why God allows tragedies, but maybe not the answer you’d expect.

He said, “do you think they were more guilty than all the others, I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

You see, suffering isn’t always related to personal sin, but all of us suffer and die because of sin. Instead of blaming God for tragedies, suffering, and death, Jesus says “repent,” turn to the only one who can save you from eternal suffering—himself.