SUFFERING

Some people feel that God causes human suffering or that, at the very least, he is indifferent to  it. But is that what the Bible teaches?  You might be  surprised at the answer. 

 Does God cause us to suffer?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY  Some say that everything that happens is God's will. Thus, they believe that God causes us to suffer. When natural disasters strike, for instance, they think that these events are God's way of punishing  those who have sinned.  

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS  The Bible clearly teaches that God does not cause us to suffer. For example, the Bible says that when we go through trials, it would be a mistake to say:  "I am being tried by God." Why? Because  "with evil things God cannot be tried, nor doe he himself try anyone." (James 1:13) In other words, God never causes the trials  we face or the suffering that follows. To do so would be wicked, but "God does not act wickedly." -Job 34:12.

If God does not cause us to suffer, then who or what does?  Sadly, humans are often victimized by other imperfect humans.  (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Additionally, we may face calamities because of "unexpected events" -that is, simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  (Ecclesiastes 9:11) The Bible teaches that ultimately "the ruler of the world," Satan the Devil, is responsible for human suffering, for "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (John 12:31; 1 John 5:19) It is Satan-not God-who causes people to suffer.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY  Some think that God is indifferent to our trials. For example, one writer cites what he calls God's "apparent lack of mercy or pity in reaction to our suffering."  This writer argues that if God exists, he must view humans with "pitiless indifference."   

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS   Far from depicting God as pitiless or indifferent, the Bible teaches that God is deeply moved by our suffering-and that he will soon bring and end to it. Consider three comforting truths found in the Bible.  

God is aware of our suffering. From the very start of human suffering, not a single teardrop has gone unnoticed by Jehovah,"  whose "watchful eyes" see everything.  (Psalm 11:4; 56:8) For example, when his worshipers in ancient times were being oppressed, God said:  "I have certainly seen the affliction of my people." But was he only vaguely aware of their pain?  No, for he added: "I well know the pains they suffer."  (Exodus 3:7)  Many people have found comfort in that truth alone-the thought that God is aware of everything we suffer, even the trials that others may not be aware of or truly understand. -Psalm 31:7; Proverbs 14:10. 

God feels for us when we suffer.  Jehovah God is not only aware of human suffering but also deeply moved by it. For example, God was sincerely  troubled when his ancient worshipers  faced trials.  "During all their distress it was distressing to him," says the Bible.  (Isaiah 63:9)  Although God is vastly superior to humans, he feels empathy for those who suffer-as if their pain were in his heart indeed, "Jehovah is very compassionate and merciful."  (James 5:11) Additionally, Jehovah helps us to bear our suffering.  -Philippians 4:12, 13)  

Note: Also, if you really love, trust and have deep faith in Jehovah God, he will also help ease the pain or stop it. He did for me, when I was going through some double excruciatingly, debilitating pain that handicapped me for two  months. I kept praying and kept my faith and waited and he indeed stopped the excruciating pain. And for that and to Him, I will always be most very grateful indeed.   I have had intermittent pain now and then in my back, but nothing like several years ago.  This is what you can benefit from if you feel about God the same way I do. He saved my life. 

God will end all human suffering. According to the Bible, God will bring an end to the suffering of every human on the planet. By means of his heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will drastically  change the human condition-for the better.  Regarding that time, the Bible promises that God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4) What about those who have already died? God will bring them back to life here on earth so that they too can enjoy life free from suffering. (John 5:28, 29)  Will anyone be plagues by painful memories of past suffering? No, for Jehovah promises:  "The former things will not be called to mind, nor will they come up into the heart." -Isaiah 65:17. 

Next time: What You Should Know About Mental Disorders

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015