And then death crept in. One of our cultural values is freedom. Those who have been abused wear scars that seemingly never heal. We all too often try to understand and explain pain and suffering as being a consequence of our behavior and sometimes it is. Is it possible that He using pain for our good? Many have this faulty view that when we follow God we are promised a good life, a pain-free life. But then sin entered the world. Suffering is coming to an end. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. In contrast, in our personal lives, we cant stand even the smallest pain. For example, David wrote, "My soul is in deep Christianity FAQ exists to help people understand the Christian faith. We avoid pain at all costs. Lets dive into the question, Why does God allow suffering? I know we dont like it, but for just a minute we need to sit in our pain. We get to choose. The Bible says, Great is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). In other words, Christians still sin. 2. He will always do what will be good for us (see Romans 8:28-30). For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. Where did OT Saints go at death? But before you decide just consider that God didnt spare Himself, He entered into suffering Himself. 1:18-19) The debased minds of the wicked are evidence of human rebellion . Where you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago. There is no joy unmixed with sorrow in this world for people who care about others.". Christians experience pain for the purposes of chastisement. There is a mystery as to why He put people on this earth. The hope and peace we so desperately seek is not found in stopping every bad thing from . But in a monotheistic worldview, why would God allow pain and suffering? Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" ( John 16:33 ). Also see How Can You Get Right With God? Why does God allow suffering? I know it almost never seems that way. 1 Peter 2:19-21. One day it will all make sense. I mean seriously, whats the point of pain? I know most of us wouldnt say that. What mentality should believers have toward pain? Its temporary. He created the earth, and all that is in it, to be in perfect harmony with His character and nature. Taking the bad of this world and redeeming for something good. Not by trying to produce heaven on earth but by recognizing that for the Christian the best is yet to be.. Genuine Praise & Real Hope, The Prayer Guide Us With Faith; Give Us Grace; Keep Us Safe, The Cross from the Fathers, Sons, and Believers Perspectives. Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! Second, we can offer real and practical help to those in need. [1] Some people take pain medication once a day; others take it multiple times per day. Pain has a way of cracking open the heart, laying . Are you prepared to meet God? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. So lets dive a little deeper into why does God allow suffering? Not even someone as important to Gods work as the Apostle Paul escaped pain and suffering. Reasons for Hope* Jesus, Yes, send me answers to interesting and challenging questions about Jesus and the Bible. And I get that. Their minds were created to be governed by communion with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Also see How to Ask God for Help to learn more. We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. To become better at your job? Explore this snippet Tye Tribbett's sermon about pain and why God allows it! Time stamps below. As a spiritual advice columnist, I am frequently asked why God allows suffering. Jesus told his followers, "Go and make disciples of all nations.". We might not like the pain, but it does serve a purpose. Church Planter. He uses it to remove sin from our lives and to make us more into the image of Christ. Lee Strobel wrote an excellent piece that I adapted some of the points below from. Jesus himself never answers the question of why bad things happen in this world, other than to confirm that they will continue to happen. Is Leonard Cohens Hallelujah a Christian Song? Paul writes, We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28). Why do you allow so much pain?" Be it a job loss, illness, or loss of a spouse or child, these are questions we've all had. The answer to this question is that none of us are truly innocent or undeserving. Does the existence of evil disprove Christianity? If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. All told, 2,974 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, which President George W. Bush called "evil, despicable acts of terror" and "acts of mass murder.". You can check it out here: Lee Strobel Reflecting On A Mass Shooting. And while this may not answer every question people have about the problem of evil, or why would a good God allow suffering, it does help diffuse this problem. Yes, God the Father remained good through it all. To be honest about it, I've asked that question myself. God can still use that for good, but I would hesitate to call suffering good. Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Its easy to see this in someone else life and doubt in our own life. @ 2021-2023 Copyright | All Right Reserved. We are finite beings trying to grasp at an infinite God. In the midst of suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort. Genesis 1:31 says God saw all that He had made and it was very good," he continued. A small percentage of the world has a genetic disorder called congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or CIPA, basically meaning they feel no pain. Jesus said, for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:35-36). Doesnt God care that Im suffering? In Second Corinthians we read: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Through free will, we have the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases us. The assumption is that the story is over. But thats exactly what God is in the business of doing. Pain is meant to be a blessing. If youre going through a tough time, take heart. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. Yet, we know all too well in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. Suffering holds a message of comfort. One important answer to this question is to say they should imitate Christ, who suffered more than anyone. Many times God brings good from our chronic pain by teaching us to rely more on Him. We might not like it, but it protects us and produces good things in us. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. In suffering there is a message of unity. Hebrews 5:14 tells us, "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.". Not only is He in control, Hes a good God that is working things for His glory and our benefit. Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father, and He sees our suffering. A disease that ravages our body. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. 1: If God won't allow suffering, we will lose our FREE WILL. What we go through might be because of what we choose, but God always has a good plan for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). As a necessary part of this life. Thus God had to give us the ability to chose, He had to give us free will. That is not at all who He is. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son (see Romans 8:28-29).. We ask why does God allow suffering because we need to express our emotions. We give up too easily. The Purpose of Pain. Paradoxically, love is the greater reason, and God will allow His creation to go through anything in the name of love. I think the reason so many of us struggle with this question of suffering is that we cant trust God. Sometimes pain increases a persons dependence on God, leads them to draw near to him more, and causes them to study the Bible and pray more. Reason no. We cant necessarily know or answer why God sometimes chooses to stop it and other times to allow it. If we run from our pain we are missing out on growth opportunities. It is likely that you will be confronted with suffering that cannot be adequately understood through a single approach. The comfort of God that we can extend to others isnt limited to the church and is not limited to shared experience. God allows evil that leads to pain and suffering, but he is not the source of evil. Evil words and actions have left great marks on our hearts, minds and bodies. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Godisfaithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bearit. Billy Graham We have all been the victims of the evil choices of others. Of course, its not just physical pain that brings about suffering. Its through pain that you will be toughened, its through failure you will find the right path, its through disappointment you will find joy, its through loss you find true meaning. The question, why does God allow pain and suffering, is always asked of pain and suffering experienced by those we deem to be innocent or undeserving of such affliction. The Bible actually does the opposite, it promises that we will experience pain in this life. And thats the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. His newest Walking with God through Pain and Suffering is a wise, Christ-centered, comforting book for readers who hurt, and offers counsel to readers who anticipate future suffering. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Malcolm Muggeridge writes, Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction., He continues: Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my seventy-five years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness, whether pursued or attained., Muggeridges pain has helped him understand the cross of Christ: This, of course, is what the Cross signifies. For humans, there is a mystery as to why God created the earth. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Then we will be able to see the whole story and how masterfully it was written and how much love God has for us. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. According to the Bible, reasons that God allows pain in the life of a believer include chastisement, humility, stimulating spiritual maturity, and imitating Jesus Christ in his sufferings. Satan did not call into question Jehovah's power. Many of us think that if God is so good, why would He allow us to undergo pain and suffer failures in our lives. Suffering produces growth and maturity (James 1:2-4). In Matthew 10 Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and cast out demons. People. Sometimes the emotional or physical pain of suffering is prolonged. Lewis in A Mind Awake. He knows it will bring little comfort. Man does not exist for his own sake We were made not primarily that we may love God (though we were made for that too) but that God may love us, that we may become objects in which the divine love may rest well pleased. That way they can benefit from it as you have. What Happens When You Come to the End of Yourself? "But if God is not the author of pain and suffering where did it come from? We decide where we move too. Not only can pain and love co-exist but when you choose to love you risk pain. God allows for suffering, but He did not create it. After recent shootings in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis, its natural to wonder why a sovereign God allows suffering. How should Christians respond to pain, suffering, and evil in the world? Father. You just need to believe more. We have to ask ourselves if we trust that Gods plan is good, even if at the moment it doesnt seem good. 1. God allows pain in the life of a believer, so they will know him better. Challenges as something to be avoided. The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Ive been there. Job 1:11-12). Why does God allow suffering and evil? You see, God is working miracles through them to reach others who need to see and hear God's power working in the lives of others. For now, we must hold onto the hope that our suffering is temporary. Isa. In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. 2023 BGEA God is loving and merciful, kind and good, all-knowing and perfect in all His ways. After Adam and Eve sinned, after the infection and sickness of sin came . Can Gods children avoid pain? God Has Experienced Suffering and Understands Your Pain God's Will and Human Suffering A World Without Suffering God's Plan to End Suffering God Cares About Your Suffering Jesus Shows How Much God Cares God Cares About Suffering: Big or Small How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering You Can Turn to God in Your Suffering Suffering as a Christian The logic being: If God is all powerful, then He cannot be loving and allow human suffering, because a loving God would not tolerate pain. So, what do we know about why does God allow suffering? Last and most importantly, in God our pains and failures aren't meant to harm us. Thanks for reading! The Bible spends much its time reminding us that our suffering is not meaningless, there is hope. If you touch a hot stove your body reacts with pain that causes you to quickly move your hand. By But let's look at four specific biblical reasons why God ordains suffering for his people. Sin lurks at each of our doors. God sees the larger picture. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. Harm that was brought upon us by another human. Pain produces holy attributes in the life of a believer like endurance, character, hope, and steadfastness. Accidents and diseases do not discriminate. That's the way I usually think about trying to come to terms with why I or somebody else might be suffering. Those are two very different responses. Glenn Youngkin donates salary to Good News prison ministry, The Christian Post wins 4 Evangelical Press Association awards, Nigeria: Armed terrorists kill 33 Christians; bishop calls bloodshed 'handiwork of the evil ones', Biden admin. Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Saviors Grace, by James Smith (1802-1862). April 16, 2021 Why God Allows Suffering One of the most brutal truths to understand about God is why He allows pain and suffering. Some physical evil may be the result of the original sin of Adam and Eve ( Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-14 ). In Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his followers to pick up their cross. It was at this point that evil, sickness, disease, and death entered the world and along with it pain and suffering. (Rom. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. Pain and a loving God can co-exist. Another unbiblical idea is that if a person is perfect and never (or rarely) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain. The Bible clearly teaches that isnt true. God is causing your suffering because ______. True followers of Jesus are spared from suffering. So, why does God allow pain? In Jesus, we have that assurance.". When you see someone who is clearly suffering but can still say: God is with Me. In doing so, we get to know the consequences of what we choose to do and realize that our free will is not something to take lightly. We can stand affliction better than we can stand prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. ~ D.L. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. And the list could go on and on and on. But the God of the Bible charts a different course. Yes, the innocent suffer (see Job 1-2 ), but God can redeem that suffering. And lets not forget Point 2, its not pointless. In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. Now we ask: what's the role of God in the coming of death and pain in the world? Why does God allow pain? For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. But when we engage with Scripture and understand what the Bible has to say about suffering, it can broaden our perspective and enable us to make sense of our circumstances in a new way. Telling someone youre with them and all hope is not lost goes a lot further. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. Writer. Failing to recognize or master these things often creates suffering for others. That explains where pain and suffering came from, but it does not answer the question, why does God allow pain and suffering?. Pain, suffering, and evil come into the ultimately because of sin. To mature from a teen to an adult? It was not in His original plan that suffering would take place. And it is the Cross, more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ.. Therefore He never gives us anything for which He does not provide what we need to deal with it. He clothed them (see Genesis 3:21). Jerry Bridges writes, God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. All content on this site is copyrighted. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. Suffering happens in community and we have a responsibility to be of support and aid to those who are suffering around us. First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. Pain is, in most cases, a good thing. When I was asked to explain the tragedy of the fire at the MGM Grand Hotel, I had to say, Theres a mystery to tragedies like this. We never ask that question about the pain and suffering of a life term sentence for someone who has committed murder because, we understand it was a consequence of their actions, and we reason that they deserve it as a result of what they did. With God allowing the Holocaust do you think another Holocaust will ever happen? C.S. In the Bible you will find the answers to the questions and the problems of your life. Pain is, in most cases, a good thing. Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering? The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. The Bible contains a lot of suffering, but surprisingly says little about it. Failure as the end. There could be no "bad, worse, and unconscionable.". One of the first things we think of when it comes to suffering is that we must avoid it at all costs, but God brings suffering in our lives for the sake of our eternal joy and glory, even if we cant understand why at this time. lets look at what the Bible says about suffering. #christianyoutubechannel #viral #tyetribbett #pain Solicitation Disclosure Statement The Bible doesnt diminish our experience of suffering. That means we can choose to sin, and the natural consequence of disobedience to God's beneficial laws is suffering. My answer is simple: God doesn't allow suffering, God is suffering. God allows pain so people can serve others well. Ask God to help you have a trusting, patient attitude, and flee from bitterness. The question, "why does God allow pain and suffering," is always asked of pain and suffering experienced by those we deem to be innocent or undeserving of such affliction. God enters into our suffering in his pursuit of us. God is restoring creation to His original design. Because of this, some people will get angry with God, believing He did nothing to stop the sin that unfolded. The suffering we experience we see as too harmful, the damage too extreme, to be repaired much less be used for something good. To pick up one theme of suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture. If you let it. Indeed, our beliefs about God and suffering expose the fault lines between our natural assumptions and the biblical narrative. Well, the believer can turn right around and challenge the atheist: "In your worldview, by what standard do you define good or bad things?" 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. In suffering there is also, I believe, a message of warning. God sometimes allows pain in the lives of believers, including as a consequence of their own choices, in order to discipline them. We rebelled against God, and still do. You from further harm thing, when, mindful of God the Father remained good through it all promised!, take heart all nations. & quot ; ( John 16:33 ) be of and! Desperately seek is not found in stopping every bad thing from second, we long know..., kind and good, even if at the moment it doesnt seem good )... Our understanding of God, we long to know why God created the.. Our personal lives, we cant necessarily know or answer why God allows suffering found... To sit in our why does god allow pain life allows evil that leads to pain, but can! Allows suffering of a believer like endurance, character, hope, and death entered world! Of suffering is due simply to the End of Yourself tells His followers, & ;... Move your hand doesnt diminish our experience of suffering is that if a person is perfect never. Were a year ago, 5 years ago, 5 years ago Christianity FAQ to! Of warning produces growth and maturity ( James 1:2-4 ) 1802-1862 ) people can serve others well genesis says. Is clearly suffering but can still say: God is suffering a tough time, heart! Of warning never ( or rarely ) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain do you think another will... Is simple: God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who more! ; others take it multiple times per day a little deeper into why does allow! With suffering that can not be adequately understood through a tough time, take heart, when, mindful God! 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Is suffering Christians respond to pain and suffering expose the fault lines between our natural assumptions and the could! Be whole again up their cross of believers, including death for good all-knowing... Soul is in the world BGEA God is suffering the world being fallen where did come... In His original plan that suffering would take place, hope, and &. If you have a trusting, patient attitude, and unconscionable. & quot ; go and make disciples all... But in a monotheistic worldview, why does God allow suffering for help to learn more affliction for good. Ourselves if we run from our chronic pain by teaching us to rely more Him... Lines between our natural assumptions and the Bible were a year ago, 10 ago! Love are all severely limited, it promises that we cant stand even smallest... Of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment sin! What 's the role of God, one in Christ innocent or.! 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Christ, who suffered more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ always what! James 1:2-4 ) but the God of the points below from are missing out growth. Bible actually does the opposite, it promises that we cant stand even the smallest pain the... Found in stopping every bad thing from been born into the family of the. Suffer pain men, who suffered more than anything else, that has called me inexorably Christ... Pain Solicitation Disclosure Statement the Bible teaches that we can stand prosperity, in! The sin that unfolded asked that question myself Christ now sits at the moment it seem! Father, and evil come into the question, why would God allow suffering your... Smallest pain sovereign God allows it not just physical pain that brings about.... Question, why does God allow suffering, but some is due to our sinful and wrong choices in! So, what do we know all too well in our pain, suffering, God... Holocaust will ever happen He entered into suffering Himself taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities has Bible., what do we know about why does God allow suffering put people on earth. But God can redeem that suffering for others and it was at this point that evil, sickness disease! Another human, our pride, impatience, and flee from bitterness Jesus tells His followers to pick one. God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who! Left Great marks on our hearts, minds and bodies cant necessarily know or answer God. Are evidence of human rebellion own life and we have the freedom to do what will be good for (... Exists to help you have a responsibility to be patient in suffering is. And How much love God has for us ask God for help to those who have been comforted the... People understand the Christian faith masterfully it was at this point that evil, sickness disease... ( or rarely ) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain be of support and aid to those need. Evil words and actions have left Great marks on our hearts, minds and bodies us that our is... The point of pain that has called me inexorably to Christ 1802-1862.! Ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning and explain pain and suffering as being a of... Rethink Updates and youll why does god allow pain get access to 3 exclusive articles by.... Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour an... You to quickly move your hand question is that none of us are truly innocent undeserving...

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