Why do people suffer?

[maxwel]

If your friend is not a Christian, and usually isn't interested in God, and she's suddenly asking you about God...
that's a pretty big deal.

The most important thing is to realize God is working on her heart, and you need to just "be there for her", and be loving. and pray for her.

Loving her is more important than explaining complex theology.
But... you should still try to give her some kind of answer when she asks a question.

But guess what?
If YOU are the one she's coming to, with questions about God,
then be assured God has gifted you, in some way, specifically, to talk to HER about God.

 

[maxwel]

You'll have to figure out if she's just attacking you to cause trouble, or if she really wants some answers.

That's the real issue.

But either way, you still need to be kind and loving.

 

[HEIsRiSen]

It's hard to explain to an unbelieving friend all of the pain and suffering in the world today and why God allows it to happen. I've been there. Yet, it is probably even harder for that person to grasp the concept if they haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

If you don't know the answer to some of the questions, just say so. I tried preaching to a good friend of mine a while back about things that I didn't really have a solid grasp on and I think I might have done more harm than good... I have learned it is better to do as Paul did while he was with those at Corinth and simply preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1Corinth2:2). One of the most effective witnesses is to live your life as a spirit-filled, regenerated, child of God.

People will see the light in you, and believe me, people do notice something different about a lot of Christians and many will ask why we are the way we are, that is a perfect opportunity to give God the glory and lift up the name of Jesus. I have had this happen multiple times, granted in many of those situations I took the glory for myself.... Anyway I am getting off topic here so that is my two cents, or whatever you think it's worth.

 

[error]

It's hard to explain to an unbelieving friend all of the pain and suffering in the world today and why God allows it to happen. I've been there. Yet, it is probably even harder for that person to grasp the concept if they haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

If you don't know the answer to some of the questions, just say so. I tried preaching to a good friend of mine a while back about things that I didn't really have a solid grasp on and I think I might have done more harm than good... I have learned it is better to do as Paul did while he was with those at Corinth and simply preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1Corinth2:2). One of the most effective witnesses is to live your life as a spirit-filled, regenerated, child of God.

People will see the light in you, and believe me, people do notice something different about a lot of Christians and many will ask why we are the way we are, that is a perfect opportunity to give God the glory and lift up the name of Jesus. I have had this happen multiple times, granted in many of those situations I took the glory for myself.... Anyway I am getting off topic here so that is my two cents, or whatever you think it's worth.

I always do that. I just honestly say that I don't have answers to all of her questions.

 

[maxwel]

Being honest like that is always best.

Sometimes admitting our own frailty, and thereby being honest, is the very thing that makes us different from everyone else.
That's often why people listen.

 

[Powemm]

my suffering .... Brought me to knowing God better on a personal level.. (the suffering he went through to save me (I could relate)
which He then turned me around to know others better in theirs...
in it I am able to comfort them as he has comforted me .. And share all He did for me in it ..

 

[iTOREtheSKY]

I'll tell you why people suffer...
Because not enough of us live in a cob house - that's why!
(oh yeah...and cause the devil is a big fat idiot too)

 

[Relena7]

I feel especially bad for those struggling with psychological issues and brain disorders who are made to feel responsible for the way they are for their entire lives.

At the same time I think it's hugely important to not fall into the trap of being "the victim".
That doesn't mean to act like everything is your fault. But to think of it as more of a strenuous spiritual workout and that you were given a different type of growth challenge than most people. I believe it is especially important for those in suffering to try and remain optimistic. Because if you can face the worst and still stay strong, then you have nothing else to fear.

That is my take on suffering.

 

[jusasheep]

Revelation chapter 21-verses 3 - 4 and 5

 

[my_adonai_]

well i would say that it is what it is. Pain remains to be pain, suffering to be suffering. Blame aint gona ease it, neither will the doubt.
for doubt isolates one from GOD, and in GOD is understanding.

 

[Jullianna]

I don't know about anyone else, but it seems to me that we don't glorify God as much as He deserves when times are good. We begin to take Him for granted in some ways. When He brings us out of the terrible circumstances we find ourselves in because of the fall of man, He shows us Who He is.

 

[kelch]

Not exactly an answer to ur question, but dis will sure help.people suffer because d devil is bent on fulfilling his ministry which is to kill, steal nd destroy. he does anything to steal ones joy ranging from causing sicknesses to contentions. If it is not good, then it is not God. God can't inflict one with illness and turns around to heal dat person. Some interprete dis as punishment from HIm, but this is a false idea. God is in the healing, saving, loving and every other good tin business. When pple suffer, God only allows it for His great n ultimate purpose

 

[shelby44]

Praying for you and your friend, and i Pray God will give you the wisdom and the right words to encourage your friend. God does allow suffering, Look what His Son Jesus went thru. but for us we now can go to the cross and we have Jesus to lean on and
give us His peace . Knowing all about Him really helps to go thru any struggle we have. Shelby44

 

[shelby44]

Amen , So True

 

[error]

I don't know about anyone else, but it seems to me that we don't glorify God as much as He deserves when times are good. We begin to take Him for granted in some ways. When He brings us out of the terrible circumstances we find ourselves in because of the fall of man, He shows us Who He is.

You are so right. When I'm in trouble I feel myself closer to God-cause that makes me to seek Him more.

 

[error]

Praying for you and your friend, and i Pray God will give you the wisdom and the right words to encourage your friend. God does allow suffering, Look what His Son Jesus went thru. but for us we now can go to the cross and we have Jesus to lean on and
give us His peace . Knowing all about Him really helps to go thru any struggle we have. Shelby44

Thank you so much.

 

[Buff_Old_Guy]

People suffer because either they themeselves have sinned... OR other people around them are sinning.

1. If we lie, steal, murder... bad things ... suffering may happen to you because of your doing. You reap what you sow.

2. If someone near you is lying, stealing and muders... bad things ... and suffering near you are ready to happen.

Sin is the cause of suffering. This is the world we created when we ourselves sin. God is good though and powerful so in the end. It'll be okay

It's also worth noting that... we deserve hell... so whatever suffering we are experiencing is nothing. I think we can be such babies about our pain and suffering. Any life on earth is paradise in comperison to eternity in hell.

I know it doesn't feel good but let's not get sit on our thrones and think we're entitled to be better. This is the ugly state of mankind and we have to just hold unto God and we'll be okay under his love, kindess and power... he'll protect us from worse.

(I'm trying to be tact)

 

[error]

People suffer because either they themeselves have sinned... OR other people around them are sinning.

1. If we lie, steal, murder... bad things ... suffering may happen to you because of your doing. You reap what you sow.

2. If someone near you is lying, stealing and muders... bad things ... and suffering near you are ready to happen.

Sin is the cause of suffering. This is the world we created when we ourselves sin. God is good though and powerful so in the end. It'll be okay

It's also worth noting that... we deserve hell... so whatever suffering we are experiencing is nothing. I think we can be such babies about our pain and suffering. Any life on earth is paradise in comperison to eternity in hell.

I know it doesn't feel good but let's not get sit on our thrones and think we're entitled to be better. This is the ugly state of mankind and we have to just hold unto God and we'll be okay under his love, kindess and power... he'll protect us from worse.

(I'm trying to be tact)

I understand what you are saying, but try to say it to someone who's child is dying of cancer.

 

[Buff_Old_Guy]

I understand what you are saying, but try to say it to someone who's child is dying of cancer.[/QUOTE

That's really tough.

Hmm... bear with what I'm about to say...

You see a man or woman moaning for his or her child. How can this be wrong? How can that evil?

I think it's possible for that to be evil. A child is precious but like everything else the child can be something that he/she loves more than God.

Think about Abraham and how he was called to sacrfice his child to show his Faith for God. God stopped it. God didnt allow the child to be harmed because it was a test. But, Abraham was willing... I can only imagine what went through his mind. Abraham had faith in God so much that he was willing to give his son.

So, what that person is going through is powerful. Is he or she willing to give up his or her child for God. If that makes sense?

Maybe... maybe yes, maybe no... maybe not today?

I think this is good to know though. That just because someone is suffering and in a horrible situation... doesn't mean they can't be sinful. When we see hurt and pain... we automatically think... that shouldn't happen and yes for the most part it shouldn't happen because sin shouldn't happen and usually that's the cause of pain and death (there are cases where it should like when Jesus said a blind man can be blind to bring glory to God). But, there's more to it than meets the eye.

.... (sigh) I'm trying to think of something but it's tough. Again, don't expect your effort to change his life... he also has to be willing to accept God and his word. Even in this horrible situation... and it doesn't have to be today ok.

Also... another tip ... I want to qoute someone random on the forums when he said... "When an athiest asks a question he/she isn't looking for answers" It means people sometimes ask these questions.. not for real answers but to stumble you or for thier own doubt and I personally think, suppression of God.

I think the adam and eve story is a good story tell them about. It gives an answer to the question and shows that God was loving and fair at the same time.

You can also point out the garments tha God made for Adam and Eve and from there tell them about the Gospel. I heard the garments that God made symbolizies the covering of Jesus Christ. I would tell you about it but I don't know enough about it.

All this... with delicacy and knowing that maybe yes, maybe no.. maybe never or maybe another day.

 

[Naime]

We all suffer, and we all learn. Without pain we would never become stronger. We would remain weak, we would not learn, and we would not try new things. Pain is essential to a growing heart. It is the balance that comes with comfort. For every side there must be an opposite. It is the true nature of balance.