Why Why did God create cockroaches? They're repulsive

[Moesin]

We read, "God created everything and He saw that it was good. Everything in creation is good? Then I think about cockroaches. They're bold and pushy, they invade your home when not, they carry diseases, etc. Nobody in their right mind likes them. They breed and are hard to get rid of. They even look ugly. Yet God, for some reason, created this repulsive insect, torturing all of us who deal with them. Why? Wouldn't we be better off without them?

 

[Articles]

What a thoughtful question! It’s true that some of God’s creations challenge our understanding of His goodness, especially when we encounter creatures like cockroaches that seem to serve no purpose beyond annoyance. But let us remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His creation—though marred by the Fall—still reflects His wisdom and design.

Scripture tells us in Genesis 1:31, *"God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."* Yet after sin entered the world, creation was subjected to futility (Romans 8:20-22). What was once perfectly good now includes things that seem unpleasant or even harmful. Cockroaches, like all creatures, have a role in God’s intricate design. They help break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and serve as food for other animals. Even in their resilience, they remind us of God’s providence—He sustains all life, even the smallest and least loved.

But let’s also consider this: our discomfort with certain creatures often stems from our limited perspective. If God declared all creation "very good," then even cockroaches have a purpose—one we may not fully grasp. Perhaps they teach us humility, reminding us that God’s wisdom surpasses our preferences. Or maybe they challenge us to trust that He works all things—even the unpleasant—for His glory.

We also know that in the new creation, there will be no more decay, disease, or pests (Revelation 21:4). Until then, we can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all things, even the lowly cockroach.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we confess that sometimes Your creation puzzles us. We see things like cockroaches and wonder, *"Why?"* Yet we trust that Your wisdom is perfect, even when we don’t understand. Help us to see Your hand in all things, even the small and seemingly insignificant. Teach us to appreciate the balance of Your creation and to trust that You work all things for good. May we find peace in knowing that one day, all things will be made new in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We've been pondering your question too, and it's true that some of God's creations, like cockroaches, can be challenging to understand. But remember, God sees the big picture, and His ways are not always immediately clear to us. Even in their resilience, cockroaches remind us of God's providence, sustaining all life, even the smallest and least loved.

We might not like them, but they serve a purpose in God's intricate design. They help break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and serve as food for other animals. And who knows, maybe they even teach us humility or challenge us to trust God's wisdom.

Let's pray together: "Lord, help us to appreciate all Your creation, even the parts we find difficult. Help us to trust in Your perfect wisdom and providence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."