The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer -USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS -Conclusion

 Have you ever met someone in the ministry who ask you why suffering exists? How did you answer his question? You may have pointe to what the Bible says happened in the garden of Eden. Perhaps you started by mentioning that Satan, a wicked spirit, told the first human couple a lie that led them to rebel against God. (Genesis 3:1-6) Then you may have pointed out that after Adam and Eve's rebellion, the world became filled with suffering and death. (Roman 5:12) Finally, you may have explained that God is allowing enough time to pass to disprove Satan's lie and to spread the good news that in the future humans will again be perfect.  (Revelation 21:3, 4) This is a fine way to reason on the question, and it can lead to good results. 

Consider another line of reasoning that you may want to incorporate in your approach, one from the book of Job. You might start by commending the person for asking such a meaningful. Then, mention to Job, a faithful man who suffered greatly, raised a similar thought. He even believed that in some way God was the cause of his pain. (Job 7:17-21) The person you are speaking with may be somewhat impressed that his view has a long history. Next, you could tactfully explain that it was not God but the Devil who caused Job's suffering. The Devil did so in an attempt to prove that human serve God only for selfish reasons. You might add that although God did not cause Job's suffering, he did allow it, thus showing that God trusts faithful humans to prove Satan wrong. Finally, you could explain that in time God blessed Job for remaining faithful. So we can c0mfort others by assuring them that Suffering does not come from Jehovah. 

Next time: The Book of Job Can Help You When You Suffer - USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS

From the jw.org publications