Inspirational: THE RIPPLE EFFECT

BY: Linda Kirby/WGON 2.16.26

Everyone asks this question at least once in their lives. ‘Why does God allow good people to get hurt?’

We don’t know the full mind of God — “His ways are higher than our ways” (Isaiah 55:8–9).

But God does tell us something clear:

He gave humans free will — real, consequential, world‑shaping free will.

And free will always creates ripples.

Take a handful of pebbles and toss them into a pond. Each pebble sends out rings that overlap, cross, and collide. Human choices work the same way.

God does not step on our free will.

He lets us choose — and those choices ripple outward to others.

When someone chooses evil…Their ripple spreads pain. A drunk driver doesn’t just hurt himself. His choice affects the people in the other car, their families, his own family, the first responders, the community — ripple after ripple.

This is what Scripture means when it says:  “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

But the reaping rarely stops with the one who sowed it. It spreads.

When someone chooses good…Their ripple spreads blessing.

You speak a kind word to a stranger at the store.

They were having a terrible day — but your kindness lifts them.

They go home calmer, kinder, more patient.

Their family feels it. Their coworkers feel it. One small act of goodness becomes a wave of peace. Jesus described this when He said:

“Let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5:16)

Light spreads. So do choices.

So why do people get hurt?

Not because God wants it.

Not because He “allows” it in the sense of approving it.

People get hurt because humans use their free will foolishly or wickedly, and the ripples hit everyone around them.

God honors free will — even when we misuse it — because without free will, love, obedience, and goodness would be meaningless.

The point is, use your free will in a way that sends out good ripples.

Bless others.

Speak life.

Choose kindness.

Choose righteousness.

Your ripple will touch more people than you’ll ever know.