Does Jesus Allow Suffering?
Does Jesus allow suffering? It is a profound question that often plagues the minds of believers and non-believers alike. The answer lies in understanding God's will and purpose for our lives, especially as it relates to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God and the Purpose of Suffering
It was God's gracious act to send Jesus, the only angel that had never sinned in Heaven, to earth to become our teacher and to endure unimaginable suffering for us. Even in His final moments, Jesus prayed to His Father, 'Not My will but Your will be done,' showing His profound submission to God's plan.
God has a divine purpose for each of us, ensuring that we are tested to discover our true character and faith. If we live by love and obedience to God, we will find our eternal home in Heaven. Conversely, if we choose to be hating and resentful towards others, we will face eternal consequences. Indeed, in a sense, God asks us to suffer as part of this divine plan.
The Nature of Sin and Suffering
Sin itself is the root cause of much suffering. In a world marred by sin, suffering is inevitable. The world would have been a much happier place without sin, but because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, this original goodness was lost. Sin introduced suffering into the world, leaving a lasting impact that continues to affect humanity.
The only effective way to overcome sin is through sacrifice. Jesus understood this and willingly underwent great suffering to fulfill God's purpose. His life, death, and resurrection offer us the pathway to salvation. While there may have been other possible ways for God to save the world, His sending Jesus serves as the means through which we achieve salvation.
The Call to Suffer
Jesus taught us to follow His example by taking up our cross and enduring suffering for the sake of others. This is not just a passive acceptance of hardship but an active participation in God's mission of redemption. Just as Jesus suffered for our sins, we are called to show love and compassion by suffering for others.
Peace comes not from self-righteous anger or retaliation against sinners, but through sacrificial love and understanding. Suffering and sacrifice often serve as a means to quench the flames of sin, providing the necessary water to restore order and harmony. By choosing to follow Jesus' example, we can find redemption and a deeper relationship with God.
In conclusion, Jesus does not allow suffering per se, but He allows it as a means to achieve His greater purposes. Through suffering, we can discover true strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of God's love and forgiveness. May we follow Jesus' example and live our lives in a manner that honors Him and brings Him glory.