" Why does GOD allow Suffering? "

The issue of suffering is the most raised objection to the Christian faith.


~> First, we see suffering on a global scale. There are natural disasters: earthquakes, famines and floods. The suffering that results is often pervasive and arbitrary.
~> Second, we see community tragedies.
~> Third, suffering at an individual level affects us all to a greater or lesser extent: bereavement, sickness, handicaps, broken relationships, unhappy marriages, involuntary singleness, depression, loneliness, abject poverty, persecution, rejection, unemployment, injustice, fierce temptation and disappointment.


" Suffering can come in an endless variety of forms, and no human being is immune from it... "


* Human Freedom -> Suffering is not part of GOD's original created order. There was no suffering in the world before humanity rebelled against GOD. There will be no suffering when GOD creates a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more crying and no more pain. Suffering only entered the world because Adam and Eve sinned. It is, therefore, an alien intrusion into GOD's world. If all suffering is a result of sin, directly or indirectly, why did GOD allow sin to enter the world?
-> He did so because He loves us and wanted to give us free will. Love is not love if it is forced, it can only be love if there is a real choice. GOD gave human beings the choice and the freedom to love or not to love. Given this freedom, men and women from the beginning have chosen to break GOD's law. The result has been suffering.

* Suffering as a result of our own sin -> Some of the suffering we endure is the result of "our own sin". At times, suffering is the inevitable consequence of breaking GOD's law. There are physical laws of nature, and also moral laws. GOD made a world built on moral foundations, and there is a natural connection between sin and its consequences.

* Suffering as the result of others' sin -> It is important to stress that not all suffering is the direct result of our own sin. While it may be appropriate for us to examine our own hearts when we are suffering, we need to be very careful about making judgements about why others are suffering.

* Suffering as a result of a fallen world -> This leaves a small proportion that can only be explained as being the result of the fact that we live in a fallen world; a world where all creation has been affected by the sin of human beings.

* GOD Works Through Suffering -> Suffering is never good in itself, but GOD is able to use it for good in a number of different ways...

~> First, suffering is used by GOD to draw us to CHRIST.
~> Second, GOD uses suffering to bring us to Christian maturity.
~> Third, GOD often uses suffering to bring about His good purpose.


" GOD is LOVE... "


How do we respond to suffering?
-> When we are suffering we will not always be able to work out why. GOD never told why there are suffering, but He told that there are a good reason. GOD allows suffering as it is about how we should respond to it.


The questions we need to ask ourselves are these...

* First, "Is this suffering a result of my own sin?"
* Second, "What is GOD saying to me through this?"
* Third, "What does GOD want me to do?"

Next...we need to hold on to our HOPE.
Finally...we need to come back yet again to the cross of CHRIST. For it is here that we begin to understand why a GOD of love should allow suffering.


~> First, we see that human beings abused their GOD-given freedom when they chose to nail Jesus to the Cross.
~> Second, we see GOD working through suffering.
~> Third, we see that GOD more than compensates for suffering.
~> Fourth and most important to all...we see that GOD Himself is not removed from suffering. He participated in the suffering of the Cross and He suffers for us and with us now.