If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering? -From Where Did Suffering Come?

While it is hard to comprehend the whole scope of human suffering, using the right instrument can help. Just as using binoculars helps us to see distant objects more clearly, using the Bible enables us to discern the cause of suffering.

For one thing, the Bible alerts us to the fact that"time and unforeseen occurrence" befall all humans  (Ecclesiastes 9:11)  For example, Jesus referred to a news item from his day-18 people were killed when a tower fell on them.  He made it clear that these victims were not worse sinners than others.  (Luke 13:1-5)  They suffered because  they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the Bible goes beyond that, providing satisfying information as to the prime cause of suffering. What information?

After the first humans sinned, the divine Judge, Jehovah, ruled that they forfeited any right to continue living. In the years until they actually died, Adam and Eve faced considerable suffering.  It was suffering that they had brought upon themselves-the effects of aging and sickness, the struggle to eke out a living, and the grief of seeing their family shattered by jealousy and violence.  (Genesis 3:16-19; 4:1-12) It is important to fix in mind where the blame for all that suffering primarily rested.  They brought it on themselves.  Even so, how can we understand why suffering continues down till our day? 

Next time: If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering?  -Conclusion of From Where Did Suffering Come?  

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?