SUFFERING

"Suffering" is a term that embraces the various physical and emotional ills to which the human family is heir. Skeptics charge that human suffering is irreconcilable with the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent God. If God were able, and willing, to remedy man's misfortunes, it is alleged, he would. Since he has not, that must suggest there is no powerful and gracious God overseeing human affairs. The argument is false for it fails to take into consideration the fact that a good and powerful God may allow suffering for a noble end that man cannot see at present. Here are some points to ponder. (a) The Creator is not directly responsible for man's ailments; his creation, as it issued from him initially, was "very good" (Gen. 1:31). It is obvious, therefore, that suffering is a subsequent development. (b) Suffering is a necessary by-product of man being given the ability to make free choices. If human beings have the ability to make choices, there must be negative consequences attached to evil choices -- otherwise, there would never be the inclination to choose good over bad. (c) We suffer negative consequences for personal decisions we make (1 Pet. 4:15), and we suffer the consequences of bad choices others have made -- both in the past and in the present (Ex. 20:4-6; Rom. 5:12; see FLOOD). (d) Suffering helps to build character, producing the best traits of which men are capable (Rom. 5:3; Jas. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:7). (e) Without the possibility of suffering, there would have been no plan of redemption for fallen humanity (Heb. 5:8-9; 12:1ff). (f) The book of Job reveals that suffering may have a goal of which man is not aware. Even in hardship, then, one must learn to trust God and be obedient to his will (Job 13:15; Eccl. 12:12-13).