Suffering

Suffering

My Question for God

How can I explain suffering to someone experiencing it?

A Moment with God

Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.

Luke 10:34

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

1 Corinthians 12:26

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Suffering is a universal experience. Some suffering comes simply as a result of living in a fallen world, like a car accident that maims or an illness that ravages a loved one or even takes his or her life. Some suffering happens by neglect, such as when we fail to prepare for times of pressure. Sometimes we suffer by design, when we willingly take on enormous responsibilities in order to achieve a goal. Other times it is the result of sin, when we stubbornly go against God’s commands and then suffer the consequences.

Whatever the source, we all feel the dark shadow of suffering, and we don’t know how to explain it. But we don’t have to explain it. The reality is that we don’t usually know why suffering has struck us or someone else, and one of the worst mistakes we can make is to try to explain it out of ignorance. But everyone knows two things about suffering: It hurts, and it helps when others bring comfort. When you join in others’ suffering, you are choosing to be wounded with them, and that brings comfort. If you know someone who is hurting, walk alongside the one who is suffering, and help to bring that person—and you—comfort and hope.

Divine Promise

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4