The Suffering in Our World: Why and How to Understand It
Many of us grapple with the question of why God allows us to experience so much pain and suffering in this world. This article explores the theological perspective on suffering and how it serves a higher purpose in God's plan for humanity.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Ultimately, God allows suffering for His purposes and only He knows the depths of His own reasons and intentions.
In the Bible, we see examples of divine suffering, particularly in the life of Jesus, God's only begotten Son. Despite the profound pain Jesus experienced, He went through it all to atone for our sins, pleasing His Father.
It can be hard to fathom why God allows our brothers and sisters to suffer, especially when they have not sinned against Him. However, we should remember that humans brought suffering upon themselves through their rebellion against God. The first human couple chose to set their own standards of good and evil, rejecting God's rulership, and subsequently faced the consequences of their choices.
The Roots of Human Suffering
While God did not originate human suffering, it did arise from the first human couple's rebellion. This choice led to a world filled with wickedness and suffering.
According to John 1:1 and Revelations 21:3-4, God's ultimate purpose is to rid the world of suffering and usher in a new, righteous age. In this future world, humanity will live in perfect health and happiness, existing in paradisaic surroundings where wickedness and suffering will no longer exist.
Accepting Suffering and Finding Hope
Accepting suffering is not easy, but it is an important step in understanding God's plan. Just as Jesus endured immense suffering for us, we too can endure and find hope in Him. Through death and the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus, we are spiritually reborn, with Christ dwelling within us. This equips us to face and understand pain, for which we are not designed to be robots.
Embracing pain as part of our humanity also humbles us, reminding us that we are not in control. We live in a fallen world, awaiting the return of our savior, Jesus. If everything were perfect, we might not seek Him.
The Role of Free Will
God gave us free will and a brain, allowing us to make choices and create our own miseries. This is not an interference with His plans but an expression of His love and desire for us to have agency in our own lives.
Imagine a world where all people could agree on the way things should be, essentially a true communistic way of life, where all people are equal. Unfortunately, human nature is complex, with every individual having a unique sense of self-importance. While some may serve others, they cannot be equal to themselves.
Conclusion
Though the question of why God allows suffering may never be fully answered, we can find comfort in knowing that He has a purpose behind it. The cross demonstrates His ultimate sacrifice for us, and through our faith, we can endure and embrace suffering, ultimately finding hope in a new world free from suffering.
As we navigate our struggles, let us remember that God is with us in our suffering, and He will bring us through to a better place. May we learn from the example of Jesus and continue to seek understanding and hope in Him.