Were We Meant to Suffer? - What the Bible Says

God did not create us to suffer.

He wants us to enjoy life.

"There is nothing better for [people] than to do good during their life, also that everyone should eat and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work. It is the gift of God. - ECCLESIASTES  3:12, 13. 

God gave the first two humans a perfect start.

He did not mean for them-or their descendants-to suffer.

"God said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply. fill the earth and subdue it." - GENESIS 1:28.

The first two humans chose independence from God.

 As a result, they  brought too much suffering on themselves and all of their descendants.

Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned." - ROMANS 5:12.

God did not create us to live independent of his guidance.

 We were no more created to rule ourselves than to live under water.

"It does not belong to man who walking even to direct his step." - JEREMIAH 10:23.

God does not want us to suffer.

He wants us to live in a way that, to the extent possible, we avoid problems.

"If only you would pay attention to my  commandments!  Then your peace would become just like a river." - ISAIAH 48:18. 

Were we meant to suffer?

No. Suffering was never part of God's purpose for humans. Suffering began when the first two humans chose a course of independence. But this does not mean that the human race is doomed to a cycle-of endless suffering.

Will Our Suffering Ever End?

Next time: Will Our Suffering Ever End?

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