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I think God does like us to have pain. I had a pain in my foot which gave me warning something was wrong with my body. A minor surgery cured it. I was once in a minor state of emotional suffering in a life situation. This caused me consider that a change had to be made. It made that change and was happy with the outcome. I know these are not the extreme examples of pain and suffering that people use to say there is no God, but I still feel the every day pain and suffering is a protective and learning tool that God must allow even if means allowing an extreme experience of pain and suffering. I believe in the law of opposites. To know the good you must also know the bad. I think this whole life experience leads to something eternal but is really a very minor part in this eternal process. I don't believe in sin or eternal suffering. I think there is some objective purpose to the universe and our lives within it. We'll all have the answer when we die. (assuming we wake up)

2007-03-27 04:06:16 · 17 answers · asked by quidproquo888 3 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

17 answers

Yes, pain and suffering can bring us closer to God. Each individual matures at different levels. Some see this blessing from the begging of their lives, while others take a life time to develope, and some never develope this appreciation.

I thought you may enjoy this writtings from Marie Harkins and Camille De Blasi on "Why God allows suffering":

"No one wants to suffer. In fact, our natural human response is to run from suffering whenever possible. Unfortunately, each of us will have to face it in varying degrees. Heartache, pain, and loss are unavoidable facts of human life. But even though suffering is never "good" in itself, tremendous good can come from it when people rise to the occasion. In fact, every moment of suffering opens a door to the possibility of bringing greater love, compassion, contribution, hope, inspiration, and faith into the world. If we fail to understand the true meaning of suffering, we will miss the positive effects that can emerge from it, and we will completely overlook the intrinsic dignity of the suffering person, resulting in a shallow understanding of what it means to be "compassionate." (If you have not yet read the first article on the four levels of happiness, click here).

Suffering 1

From a Level 1 view of happiness, suffering is meaningless. If we are living for material wealth and sensual pleasures, any kind of suffering at all will plunge us into crisis. Obviously, it is difficult (if not impossible) to acquire new possessions and to experience pleasure if one is very ill or severely disadvantaged. From a Level 1 view of life, then, suffering can lead only to depression, despair, and complete loss of self-worth.

Suffering 2

Similarly, living for the competitive edge frequently leads us to view suffering as a setback. After all, if I can no longer run the fastest mile on the track team, get the highest grades, or outpace my colleagues, what do I have left to live for? I will begin to believe that my life (and my suffering) is meaningless. Level 2 can produce some positive effects, but not long-term ones. For example, if I sense that there is an end in sight, I may be inspired to take courage and endure the pain. If I sense that the suffering can give me an advantage in the future, such as earn me the respect of others or make me stronger, then it is tolerable for a while. But such effects do not last. Ultimately, the results of Level 2 suffering become depression, despair, self-pity, bitterness, anger, resentment, and isolation.

Suffering 3

But there is much more to human suffering than initially meets the eye. From a Level 3 view of life, we are able to recognize that even in the midst of terrible pain, great good can emerge. Through it, I can choose to view suffering as an opportunity for great growth ­ growth in wisdom, love, forgiveness, concern for others, compassion, leadership, and humility. In addition, I can recognize that suffering does not bring about only personal growth, but also encourages tremendous growth in the lives of countless others. Suffering persons can be a cause for others to look outside of themselves, to see beyond their own difficulties, to express authentic love, compassion and empathy for another human being. In essence, by allowing others to enter into his or her vulnerability, the suffering person wields a tremendous power: the capacity for bringing a depth of love and hope into the world that perhaps would otherwise never be possible.

Suffering 4

From a Level 4 view of life, suffering obtains even greater meaning. When offered to God in humble trust, our human suffering can be an incredible agent of grace and holiness for ourselves and for the world. Level 4 allows us to trust that even in our deepest pain, even when we cannot see it, God can bring about a good that we never thought possible. Such a perception allows us to look to Him with confidence, to surrender ourselves to His perfect wisdom, and to declare with true courage: "Thy will be done." "

2007-03-27 04:20:15 · answer #1 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0 3

God never for a bit like anyone to suffer or be in pain. Surely He loves someone who get stronger and able to learn from his sufferings. God did not cause anyone's suffering, it is caused by our choice of what action is supposed to be done in a given situation or our lack of action thereof. God did not directly tell you what to do, He gave you two parts of your brain to work for you...your logical thinking and your intuitive thinking. Those parts should equally be given to a situation when choosing a course of action. If you fail or suffer, you most likely have made a wrong judgement on the choice. If you succeed you owe it to yourself that you made the right choice. The is how Free Will should work. Then you thank God for giving you the wisdom on making a good choice. You may also thank Him for the failure not because you failed but because you are still alive or sane amidst that mistake to give you another chance to stand up again and go on.

2007-03-27 04:24:51 · answer #2 · answered by Rallie Florencio C 7 · 0 0

Pain is a signal to our body that something is wrong. When we know what is wrong and there is overwhelming pain, painkillers are an appropriate choice for helping one get through that pain so the body can get on with healing itself.

Pain and suffering are also the times when people reach out to God the most. When things are going hunky dory, many people do not even consider God because they think they are doing just fine on their own.

2007-03-27 04:11:07 · answer #3 · answered by just Me 2 · 0 0

I have suffered the last few years with a major depression brought on by marital infidelity and a divorce that has hurt my entire family.

My friend has suffered for the last five years because her son was murdered on Christmas Eve night on the way to her house.

No, I do not think it is God's intention that we suffer. I think there are many people who think it is funny that others suffer and hurt and do not mind being a cause to suffering and hurt.

The Skeptical Christian JPO
Grace and Peace
Peg

2007-03-27 04:24:20 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0 0

your thinking pattern sounds sober but you're missing lots of details, true details. Pain and suffering are a product of our sinful nature. Yet, God gives us avenues to take when we are in a situation like that. I really hate to consider a foot pain... pain at all. you should get around those who have realllllllllllllly been thru the fire. Get around those who have been in much lack or much sufferings and share your insight. I would love to hear what they will respond with. David said, "It was good that i was afflicted that I may learn Thy statues..." This is the type of sorrow and pain that leads one to their knees and this my friend............... is what God desires= that we should repent of our ways and choose Him over life itself. Is this too much to ask? No. Is it easy to come by? NO. Is it reachable? Yes.

2007-03-27 04:14:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I saw a documentary on the discovery channel I think it was about children that can't feel pain.
There was this one child that could not feel pain. She chewed her bottom lip like it was chewing gum. They had to pull all her teeth.
She constanly tried to gouge out her eyes. They have to keep her finger nails trimmed and she has to wear goggles to protect her eyes from her fingers.
She is a beautiful little girl but she is her own worst enemy. When she breaks a bone she can't feel it and the parents don't know it until it becomes abnormal.
We need our pain more than we know.

2007-03-27 04:14:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Yes the Bible says we will face triblualtion and hard time in our life. And yes I agree. God made the Body to be soo challenging, and I believe our body tells us when something is wrong. Its the Holy spirit warning us of something. Im so glad and grateful for the Lord and the Holy spirit!

2007-03-27 04:10:08 · answer #7 · answered by Encouragement 3 · 1 1

I don't feel that pain and suffering comes a God. The God of the Bible ,doesn't hurt us.The choices ,confessions of out our mouths (What we speak, we get) and satan is still throughing wrenches at us. Well ,if I suffer it's mostly my fault. GOD BLESS

2007-03-27 04:32:07 · answer #8 · answered by TCC Revolution 6 · 1 0

Oh you bet, Hey let's all strip down nakked, crawl 5 miles on our knees over broken glass, while whipping out backs with chains in the name of God. Sounds like a worthwhile thing doesn't it? NOT!

2007-03-27 04:11:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

Pain can often cause personal growth. This is nothing to do with a supposed deity.

2007-03-27 04:09:17 · answer #10 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 2 0

You've never been beaten into a coma before. I have! There is nothing about that experience I think I need to be grateful for.

2007-03-27 04:11:25 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

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