THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/SUFFERING

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 a mistake to say:  "I am being tried by God. Why? Because "with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone."  (James 1:13) In other words, God never causes the trials we face of 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 humans.  (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Additionally, we may face calamities because of "unexpected events" -That is, because of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) The Bible teaches that ultimately "the ruler of the 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. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/SUFFERING - Does God care about our suffering?

From the Awake!  magazine