How do we reconcile the existence of suffering and evil in the world with the existence of a benevolent deity?

Paramjit ji, the reply to your question lies in the answer given to your question about category of Sikhs. Guru Sahib teaches us Gurmukh Sukhia Manmukh Dukhia (ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ‌ ਦੁਖੀਆ). Since teachings of Guru Granth Sahib are universally applicable, therefore, when we apply the same to the entire world, we find that the number of Gurmukhs is less and majority is of Manmukhs. Owing to this there is evil and suffering in this world. Hope it helps.