Why Does God Allow Suffering? Understanding Suffering From A Christian Perspective

From COVID-19 ravaging communities to devastating tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes, there is no lack of suffering in the world today. People often wonder why a loving God allows this suffering and how they can endure such suffering when it hits close to home. Understanding what Christians believe about suffering in the world today can help you gain a better understanding of how to cope with suffering in your own life or help others in their time of need.

Suffering is the result of a sinful world

The Bible teaches that Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden and life was perfect and sinless at that time. Satan tempted Eve and she sinned, which resulted in Adam and Eve being banished from the garden. This process of disobeying God introduced the curse of sin into the world (Genesis 3).

Suffering is universal

Suffering is a universal problem that afflicts all mankind. Suffering can be mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical. Even the most righteous and devout believers are not immune from sin, and Jesus himself suffered during his life on this earth (Psalm 34:19).

Suffering can be caused by poor choices

Sometimes suffering is caused by sinful or reckless choices. While God is loving and will forgive people when they repent of their sins, he does not always remove the consequences of that sin. Living with the consequences of sin can cause people to change their lives for the better and turn to God (Psalm 13:20).

Suffering allows us to relate to Jesus

The Bible teaches that Christians participate in the sufferings of Christ. Jesus was tempted, beaten, mocked, flogged, and hung on a cross to die to atone for the sins of others. Jesus said his followers would be blessed when they endured suffering for his name's sake (Matthew 5:10-12).

Suffering leads us to depend on God

When life is going great, people are less likely to seek God. Suffering can bring people to a point of desperation where they begin to search for answers in a community of faith. God desires all people to seek and follow him, and suffering often moves people beyond self-sufficiency to seeking God (Psalm 119:67).

Suffering is never pleasant and can make even the most devout believers question their own faith at times. Knowing what Christians believe about suffering can help you see difficult times from a different perspective. Understanding why God allows suffering can give you peace and comfort in the midst of hardships and trials. For more information about Christian believes on suffering in the world, contact a religious institution. 

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