Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
John 11 – Painful Truths About Pain
First, the world is filled with suffering and the Bible does not deny nor diminish that reality. To do so would be a lie. There is no pretending or idealism with the scriptures. There is no philosophy or theology that suggests suffering is a state of mind caused by sin.
Second Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Divine love is a fact. But God loving people – loving us – does not prevent pain and suffering. There is no magical end to problems once we become believers in Christ. If becoming a Christian ended all problems whether physically, mentally, financially, within marriages and with our children, or whatever other realm there is, people would become Christians not so that they could serve God, but so God could serve them.
Third, there is no truth to the belief that being spiritually minded takes away all concerns in the world. Martha and Mary believed in the resurrection to come, but that belief did not erase her present pain of losing their brother. Yes, it can ease our suffering, and it should (1 Thess.4:13-18). Pain and suffering are real. Death is real. But it is not ultimately victorious.
Fourth, there is no denying that for even Christians, pain and suffering creates confusion, doubts, and even causes people to blame God. This is a reality that has to be dealt with and not discarded. The problem of evil is a problem, but it can be answered. But we do see a solution. Martha and Mary were prepared for the problem of death by their prior belief. The best way to be prepared to handle pain and suffering is to already believe in God, His power, and His love.
Comments