Suffering... Why Must it Happen This Way? (page 2)

But why must it be this way, why all the suffering? The simple answer is that in serving others through love, we all experience the love of God. The love of God is manifested through our response to suffering, or at least His love is manifested for everyone to see in our response to suffering (love).

God's love touches the hearts of man when His love is poured out through us as we serve (love) those who are suffering.

In this fallen world sin abounds and therefore, suffering abounds. But God has a plan to use our suffering and redeem our loss. God allows suffering to bring forth compassion which leads others to salvation through Christ, which is eternal life with God - NO MORE SUFFERING!

And there is a bonus! Everyone who witnesses the love of God is drawn to His love, and in that love, they might find grace and mercy in their greatest time of need, as they suffer they find hope, comfort, and joy from those who love Jesus. If it were not for the suffering there would be no need for relief, no need to serve others.

If we do not suffer we don't seek relief, why would we? We seek relief because suffering hurts. It is in the love and compassion and power of God we find relief, and therefore we can find eternal peace AND joy in this life too. We find immediate relief as we serve others who are in need. Our relief is in the love of God.

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Meaning, as people witness the love of God as it is poured out through His beloved (you and me), others, especially those who are suffering are shown a pathway to relief and in doing so, they become living witnesses of God’s love.

"He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted" John 13:15

Because of our hope and faith in Jesus, following His example of love, many others through our response to suffering WILL witness the love of God and possibly even receive it for themselves too! Which is the purpose.

In this world, we will always have trouble and trials and tribulation. It is inescapable. All people eventually die, and there is a great deal of suffering every day.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God;" Ephesians 2:8

Through our suffering, we are transformed by the love of God. In our suffering and through our pain we are equipped to love others more deeply and more thoroughly.

Ultimately, suffering allows us to rise up and take on the upward call of Christ Jesus! Suffering allows us to fulfill our destiny in Christ and thus fulfill the great commission!

"But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

To read Part Two of this series of articles on "Suffering? Why Must it Be This Way?" click here.