But why do we need to suffer like Jesus? 5 So now let Me tell you what I am going to do to My vineyard: I will remove its hedge and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall and it will become trampled ground. (Even when God did send a Savior - Jesus Christ - most men refused to accept Him). suffering is a choice. Originally published in print: Copyright Bible Study Magazine (May–June 2010): pgs. Cancer does not discriminate, it attacks everyone from new born babies to elderly adults. Above all, Peter wants us to remember that we are not alone. Suffering does not have to have the last word in our lives. First and Second Peter gives us a complete picture of suffering. Wasn’t He crucified “once and for all” for us? Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing (εὐλογέω, eulogeō), because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (εὐλογία, eulogia) (1 Pet 3:8–9 NIV). Was there an answer that would calm her troubled heart? In [Christ] you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. The Greek words Peter uses (eulogeō and eulogia) both have to do with wishing favor upon someone—specifically the type of favor wished on someone through prayer. Certainly not a topic I like to read about or hear preached, but Peter casts it in a new light. Just look at the context: Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. They will be taken aback. Photo credit: Unsplash I told her that I did not know why her grandson died, but that God cares for us when we are suffering. Pain and suffering are often peoples' biggest obstacle to faith. In David Hume’s essay, Why Does God Let People Suffer, he allows the reader to question if God exists in the world we live in with all the pain and suffering that goes on. Peter’s audience was suffering at the hands of other people, because they believed in Jesus. ... Then, when we focus on a resulting sense of entitlement, it’s easy to let a spirit of anger and bitterness grow inside. (Mark 15:34). There is comfort we never thought was possible. Even though God didn’t cause the pain, He will refine us through it. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. We and those around us sin. When we cry out to Christ, He understands our pain and weaknesses because He endured the same thing. For Peter, Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the suffering servant prophesied about 500 years earlier. If you show kindness to other people when they are cruel, they will likely be kind to you. If we turn to Him, there is strength we never thought we had. God has a reason for everything He does, … Peter’s audience was suffering at the hands of other people, because they believed in Jesus. All of Jesus’ sayings are about how God will vindicate His people—what He will do for them in the future. So, I had concluded that God wasn’t good, didn’t exist, or didn’t care. Above all, Peter wants us to remember that we are not alone. When you are going through horrible times, people will watch to see how you react. Peter directs the words of Isaiah at his community by exchanging the pronoun “we” for “you”: “By his wounds you have been healed.” Jesus bore our sin and lifted our iniquities so that we will no longer be separated from God (1 Pet 2:24; Isa 53:8). Peter offers some advice: following the example of his Savior, he encourages us not to repay evil for evil or insult for insult. The general argument is that, if God is good and benevolent, He would not permit innocent people to endure suffering and pain. We don’t need a Greek dictionary to figure this out. What is Peter talking about? Peter even denied Christ during the last few hours before the crucifixion. How hurtful it must be to him when I believe he enjoys orchestrating my suffering. What is Peter talking about? There is evil in this world and in us. Giving someone what they don’t deserve changes everything, and it results in God’s favor—His future blessing. This is what Peter says near the end of his second letter, which he wrote very close to his execution: Since everything will be destroyed … what kind of people ought you to be? And he has reasons for doing so. One day, our suffering will end. One day, our suffering will end. Why does God allow suffering? by Tony Edwards Have you ever asked the question, “Why does God allow me to suffer”? Suffering does not last forever. The bad news is, the world is broken so there’s pain and suffering around us, but the good news is, God sent Jesus so we don’t need to suffer alone. His heart is tender toward me. How sad it must be for God when I think he enjoys hurting me. The Greek words Peter uses (eulogeō and eulogia) both have to do with wishing favor upon someone—specifically the type of favor wished on someone through prayer. Working in the Oncology field has opened my eyes to this even more so. You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. You have got to be kidding. His hands are gentle around me. Why does God let me suffer? Hume suggests that an all powerful God, such as the one most believe in, would not allow a world to exist with this much pain and suffering that goes on daily. A friend who needs Christ may accept Him because you believed that God would continue to work through you—even in the midst of your pain. Reason 4: God’s Faithfulness Not only do we follow Christ’s example by suffering, but we also follow in His resurrection. If you've never received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then God wants you to see your need to do so. Peter’s view is ironic (to say the least). Nothing I could say would take away her pain. One of the biggest barriers to belief in God is the question of suffering. Giving someone what they don’t deserve changes everything, and it results in God’s favor—His future blessing. And he has reasons for doing so. But some people ask, why doesn’t God just get rid of evil once and for all? I told her that I did not know why her grandson died, but that God cares for us when we are suffering. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. The apostle Peter understood suffering from identifying with Jesus and his years serving the fledgling church. When tragedy happens to us, it is not caused by God, but it is certainly an opportunity to show ourselves faithful. It may seem strange and even unfair, but God might be answering your prayers in a round-about way. First Peter is about suffering. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation (2 Pet 3:11–15 NIV). We never ask that question about the pain and suffering of a life term sentence for someone who has committed murder — because, we understand it was a consequence of their actions, and we reason that they deserve it as a result of what they did. We don’t have to endure ultimate suffering—separation from God—because of the ultimate sufferer’s actions. When we endure pain, most of us doubt God’s love, or even question our salvation. When we refuse to acknowledge God’s truth—that no one is good, no not one (Romans 3:10)—we turn and blame God, the merciful One, who sent His Son to die in our place. It may seem strange and even unfair, but God might be answering your prayers in a round-about way. Makarios is the word we find in Jesus’ “Blessed are you” sayings in Matt 5. Question: "Why does God allow people to be disabled / handicapped?" Peter says that “Christ suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example … [We] should follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21 NIV). Clearly suffering was brought into the world as a result of sin. They may even suddenly begin to favor us. One day, God will raise us up out of our suffering. This is what Peter says near the end of his second letter, which he wrote very close to his execution: Since everything will be destroyed … what kind of people ought you to be? It is not that we need to suffer just like Jesus. We see the English word “blessed” again in 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed (μακάριος, makarios).” First Peter 3:14 uses makarios, not eulogeō or eulogia. It grieves him to be grievous to me. Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. But one day Christ will return and redeem this world and make everything right. They have to give tough love. Why, when I expected it to produce good grapes did it produce worthless ones? You are not alone. In His next statement, Jesus even echoes Peter’s logic in 3:9: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt 5:7 NIV). Doctors, coaches, parents, teachers, leaders, and military commanders often have to say and do things that cause pain. Why Does God Allow So Much Suffering in the World? Scripture promises we will suffer. Despite all this, Jesus never forsook Peter, and God used these experiences to mold him. All we have to do is believe, and then begin “living for righteousness” (the right purposes) (1 Pet 2:24). Sin brings suffering. Wasn’t He crucified “once and for all” for us? As odd as it sounds, we have the opportunity to become more like Jesus by suffering. Jesus says: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The last line of 1 Pet 2:24 is an allusion to the servant in Isaiah. “Why would God do this?” his grandmother asked me as we stood in front of her grandson’s casket. pain happens. The last line of 1 Pet 2:24 is an allusion to the servant in Isaiah. Sometimes his suffering was self-induced, caused by his own mistakes. "If there is a God, why does he let us suffer?" Read Psalm 77 on this, or the book of Job, or the Lamentations of Jeremiah. The chances are, if you are over seventy years of age, you will eventually die from some form of cancer. God uses suffering to cleanse us, to mature us, to burn up shallowness. As a matter of fact, I was into my fourth year of preaching full time. Photo credit: Unsplash Yet every day its like God won't allow me to be happy at all. These letters remind us that suffering is only temporary and that it exists because we live in a fallen world. But why does God allow suffering? Jesus gave us the ultimate example of godly endurance when He died for our sins. Jesus was rejected, humiliated, beaten and murdered. People may call this an act of God. These questions delve further into the mystery of anguish. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was convinced that a good God couldn’t love me and watch me suffer. Sometimes God has to allow tragedy to enter a life in … In the meantime, we have to act like Christ by being kind to those who do not deserve kindness. God doesn't ENJOY seeing anyone suffer, but He does ALLOW people to suffer for various reasons. We have an opportunity to show people Christ’s faithfulness in how we react. All we have to do is believe, and then begin “living for righteousness” (the right purposes) (1 Pet 2:24). In His next statement, Jesus even echoes Peter’s logic in 3:9: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt 5:7 NIV). Peter reminds us that suffering isn’t punishment from God. First Peter is about suffering. The human spirit is always looking for an excuse. This is the reality of this disease. The mystery of suffering is never fully expressed. It is a truth that makes all people question "Why Would a Loving God Allow Christians to Suffer With Cancer"? When we cry out to Christ, He understands our pain and weaknesses because He endured the same thing. These letters remind us that suffering is only temporary and that it exists because we live in a fallen world. But why do we need to suffer like Jesus? Answer: The Lord is God of the physically healthy and the mentally strong, but He is also the God of the physically disabled and the mentally handicapped. WhY? God didn’t intend for humans to suffer. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing (εὐλογέω, eulogeō), because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (εὐλογία, eulogia) (1 Pet 3:8–9 NIV). A friend who needs Christ may accept Him because you believed that God would continue to work through you—even in the midst of your pain. For this reason, Peter says at the end of his letter, “Cast all your anxiety on [Christ] because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). All rights reserved. God's got nothing to do with your choice. Reason 2: Christ’s Suffering In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. Why does God let people suffer? It is not that we need to suffer just like Jesus. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matt 5:3–6 NIV). On the contrary, he gave the first human couple a wonderful start. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation (2 Pet 3:11–15 NIV). This is a different kind of “blessing” than what we see in 3:9. Sometimes God lets us suffer to try to bring us closer to Him. When we suffer, we share something in common with Jesus. When tragedy happens to us, it is not caused by God, but it is certainly an opportunity to show ourselves faithful. But when I was 16, God in his mercy answered that lifelong question through John 9. (4 Reasons from 1 Peter),C. Adam Clagg - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. “Why would God do this?” his grandmother asked me as we stood in front of her grandson’s casket. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Matt. FAQ: Hold on. Peter seems to be echoing what Job said after he endured a tremendous trial: “But [God] knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10 NIV). (4 Reasons from 1 Peter), 3 Specific Ways to Pray for Others to Come to Christ, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They will be taken aback. Many tragic happenings are simply the result of random events. And there is hope for today and tomorrow. Job had the exact same feelings and the exact same questions. Peter reminds us that suffering isn’t punishment from God. If we turn the other cheek, those attempting to inflict pain will be thrown off their game. Why does God let innocent people suffer? “Bless” those who harm me? On Nov. 21, 1980, when the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas burned, survivors were brought into the Convention Center, where our Crusade meetings were being held. It does not make much sense to me, and it makes me really angry at times. Reason 3: Blessings He knew Adam would open the door to all kinds of evil and suffering, and He allowed Adam to do it anyway. Even Jesus felt that way on the Cross: "My God, my God, Why have you forsaken me?" But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. When we endure pain, most of us doubt God’s love, or even question our salvation. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Peter says that “Christ suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example … [We] should follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21 NIV). We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isa 53:4–6 NIV, emphasis added). I believe he exists, I asked Jesus into my heart like they said to at church. First Peter is about suffering. From the context, we find the sense of the word. The apostle talks about this in depth in his second letter. Let me offer 3 reasons: We live in a broken world and so we struggle - mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Was there an answer that would calm her troubled heart? The example of Christ’s suffering in 1 Pet 2:24 also clarifies Peter’s point in 1 Pet 2:21: We should react to suffering like Jesus did, being willing to suffer for other people. They couldn't always figure God out either. If you have endured persecution for Christ, you know how traumatic it can be. Why does that god hate me so much..have no freakin idea.all of the ppl who hurt me and continue hurting..live wonderful lives..god is not good…he favors the evil..while the good and innocent suffer.i hate him.its like he just refuses to see me happy..if he is such a good god..why do the innocent/good ppl suffer… I know I have. you can choose to accept it and stay happy, or you can choose to "suffer." Because Christ suffered and “bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (2:24). You just told me about a perfectly loving God, but you didn't explain why He allows so much pain and suffering? [The day God comes] will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. Makarios is the word we find in Jesus’ “Blessed are you” sayings in Matt 5. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with eulogeō, because to this you were called so that you may inherit eulogia. The simple, rugged fisherman failed when he took his eyes off Jesus while walking on the water. When you are going through horrible times, people will watch to see how you react. But why do we suffer in this world? Jesus was rejected, humiliated, beaten and murdered. It is temporary. He had a purpose in mind. “Favor” works nicely: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with favor, because to this you were called so that you may inherit favor. If it were, God would indeed be a horrible monster. In the meantime, we have to act like Christ by being kind to those who do not deserve kindness. Sometimes his suffering was self-induced, caused by his own mistakes. Peter seems to be echoing what Job said after he endured a tremendous trial: “But [God] knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10 NIV). Trust me, i know what your talking about. For Peter, Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the suffering servant prophesied about 500 years earlier. In [Christ] you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. God allows suffering, but will bring it to an end when Jesus returns. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. What Does it Look Like to 'Do Justice, Love Mercy, and walk Humbly' Today? One day God will vindicate us. Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Even though God didn’t cause the pain, He will refine us through it. [The day God comes] will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. It is like death for him to strike me. 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