*
To "suffer"
is to bear pain, distress, sorrow, damage or loss. In general, pain and suffering
offer a message of warning that something is wrong.
*
This "wrong" is generally the result of some kind of "evil"
- either "moral evil" (action or inaction of moral agents) or "natural
evil" (e.g., disease, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, etc.). Christian
Perspective
*
The reality of suffering and evil is consistent with the Christian worldview.
If good and evil actually exist, an objective standard of good is needed, and
that objective standard is a good God. Thus the existence of suffering and evil
can be used to support the existence of God.
*
The Christian view states that the causes of suffering are numerous and complex,
but are generally traced to the conditions of the fallen world - a world out of
harmony with God.
*
The major cause of suffering in this world is sin, either directly or indirectly.
How does pain and suffering affect us? "God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse
a deaf world."
"I
Can Relate!"
*
The Bible shows human experience.
The writers of Scripture, and other people of faith, faced times of suffering
and despair, and they questioned God. For example, read Psalm 13:1-2.
*
The book of Job focuses on the problem of undeserved suffering. At one point,
Job said: ¶
"I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer;
I stand up, but you merely
look at me.
You turn on me ruthlessly;
With the might of your hand you attack
me." (Job 30:20-21, NIV) §
It's important to note that God never answered Job's questions of why, but that
was okay. As John Blanchard writes, "One message that comes across very powerfully
from Job's experience is this: it is less important to know all the answers than
to know and trust the one who does. Laying hold on this can be a liberating experience."
The
Big Picture of Evil & Suffering
*
The all-good God created a "very good" world (Genesis 1:31). The first
humans enjoyed moral innocence and harmony with God and his creation (Genesis
2:8-25).
*
Moral evil was an intrusion into God's good world, brought through the free agency
of God's creatures. Man's sin against God resulted in a broken relationship with
God, which resulted in a fallen world, infected with evil and suffering (Genesis
3).
*
God initiated a plan to defeat evil and suffering, and promised a restored and
harmonious created order (Genesis 3:15; 12:1 ff.).
*
God was (and is) faithful to his promise, and even uses evil and suffering to
accomplish his purposes (e.g. Genesis 50:15-20, Acts 2:22-24).
*
God's plan is fulfilled in Christ, who suffered and died for the sins of the world.
Christ's death and resurrection defeated evil and death (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews
2:14-15).
*
Through faith in Christ, we receive the benefits of Christ's victory over evil
and death, but these benefits are not fully realized until the end of this age
(Acts 3:18-21, Romans 8:18-25).
*
The end of evil and suffering will be fully realized in the "new heaven and
new earth" - God's everlasting harmonious order in His glorious presence
(Revelation 21:3-4). The
Christian is a "new creation" but still lives in the "old world." 
The
Suffering of Christ
*
God purposed that Jesus Christ would suffer (Acts 2:22-24). Jesus said of himself,
"The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief
priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be
raised to life" (Luke 9:22, NIV).
*
The suffering of Christ was in fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus
said, "Everything must be fulfilled that is written in the Law of Moses,
the Prophets, and the Psalms … This is what is written: The Christ will suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day" (Luke 24:44-46; see Acts 26:22-23;
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; 16:9-11; Acts 2:24-36).
*
Christ had to suffer and die to provide redemption and salvation. The
Suffering of Christ's Followers
*
Christians are not exempt from suffering in this world. In fact, many suffer because
they are Christians. Jesus told his disciples, "In this world you will have
trouble" (John 16:33). "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly
life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12).
*
Christians may suffer "for [Christ]" (Philippians 1:29); "for what
is right" (1 Peter 3:14); for "the kingdom of God" (2 Thessalonians
5:5); and for the "gospel" (2 Timothy 2:8-9).
*
Suffering "with Christ" is not something to shun. "But rejoice
that you participate in the sufferings of Christ" (1 Peter 4:12-19). Paul
wrote, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship
of sharing in his sufferings" (Philippians 3:10, NIV).
*
Of course, Christians suffer for many of the same reasons that others in this
world suffer. The
End of Suffering
*
Christians look forward to the future end of suffering, in the new heaven and
new earth. "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them
… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away"
(Revelation 21:3-4, NIV).
*
This blessed hope helps Christians endure their present sufferings. Paul wrote,
"I consider that my present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory
that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18, NIV). He also wrote, "For
our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far
outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV). Dealing
with Suffering
*
Suffering
in this life is unavoidable. The question is: How can we deal with it personally?
Suffering provides opportunity. Opportunity for what? The Bible says that God
uses suffering for his good purposes.
?
How might our suffering result in something good? How can we
be encouraged in times of suffering? Here
are some of the ways God uses suffering for good: Suffering
à Realization of Need
§ Suffering reminds us of our
mortality and need. Suffering can help the non-Christian see his/her need for
salvation in Christ Jesus. Suffering
à Change in Values & Perspective
§
Suffering helps us to realize what is truly valuable. Suffering influences us
to shift our focus from earthly things to relationships and heavenly things (2
Corinthians 4:7-19).
Suffering à Humility
§
Suffering humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on God (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Suffering
à Christian Character (Christ-likeness)
§
God uses suffering to develop Christian character and spiritual maturity.
¶
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice
in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:2a-4, NIV)
¶
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off
every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes so that it will be more fruitful." (John 15:1-2). Suffering
à Preparation for Helping Others
§
Our suffering helps develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others who
are suffering, especially those who are suffering in a similar way (2 Corinthians
1:3-5). Suffering
à Christian Testimony
§ Christians
who handle suffering with peace, joy, and stability are a testimony to the power
and life of Christ (2 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:13-17; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12).
Reflection/Application
†
Are you presently experiencing difficulties, trouble, pain or suffering? If you
aren't now, you certainly will in the future. How will you handle it? What are
you trusting in? Where will you find help? The Bible says, "God is our refuge
and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Have you entered
into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ?
†
As a Christian, how are you enduring the troubles in your life? Remember, God
uses trouble and suffering to mold us into the image of His Son. We may not desire
suffering, but we should desire Christ-likeness. When it seems too difficult to
endure, share your troubles with a trusted Christian, and ask God for strength.
§ Don't dwell on the "why?"
Instead ask, "How can God work through this?"
§
Reflect on passages like Romans 8:18-39 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, which teach
us to focus not on our troubles, but on God and his good purposes and promises.
†
As a Christian in this present world, seek to be "salt and light" in
order to help restrain the spread of evil and suffering (Matthew 5:13-16).
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