Some Christian Perspectives on Pain and Suffering

• Much suffering in the world is a result of human activity and sin
• God can intervene via miracles; however, generally, he doesn’t interfere with human activity and the consequences of sin
• God has given human beings free choice because he wants them to freely respond to his offer of a relationship
• If God were to interfere all the time humans would be less free, therefore less human and respond to Him for selfish reasons rather than out of a genuine quest for a relationship with him
• God’s is more concerned about human growth and development than its happiness
• Happiness is determined by circumstances; whereas, joy can be experienced at all times by humans in a relationship with God, even during times of the most grievous pain and suffering
• God promises to use the pain and suffering of those in a relationship with him for good
• God has experienced suffering in the extreme in both its physical and spiritual domains via the cross
• This world is far from perfect and this imperfection is related to the disharmony that has always existed between human beings and God
• This world is not all there is; in the course of time this earth and heaven will be renewed, so that pain and suffering will be a thing of the past and resurrected human beings in a relationship with God will enjoy its bounty
• God is active in the world through His believers; in many disasters and tragedies God is active through the hands, feet and skills of His people
  Student Task:

  Consider each of the above discussion points and indicate what resonates with you and what you still struggle with in relation to pain and suffering.

  
  

  I can both truly and comfortably say that i believe all of the above perspectives regarding the reason for pain and suffering listed above. I am a true follower of God and try to live by his word each day :)