How would you explain to a friend the purpose behind human suffering? What Scriptures would you use to back your claims?
Invite your friend to wrestle honestly with the hardest question of all, why a good God allows His people to hurt, and let it stay an open conversation rather than a tidy answer. Point to Job, whose suffering had nothing to do with sin, and to the man born blind in John 9, whom Jesus said was blind so the works of God might be displayed in him, so your friend can see that suffering can serve God's glory and someone's good.
Also asked: How do some people's suffering actually serve God's purpose and bring Him glory?
Also asked, more loosely
What is a good explanation for God allowing His people to experience pain and hardship? · Can you help me understand why a loving God allows His followers to go through difficult times?
Source: The Basics The Basics, Unit 5, Lesson 5-4 - The Victory—Grace and Truth (Review q9) · Read this lesson in the book →
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Related questions
- What is “the good fight of faith”? Why is it good?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- What are the five stages of suffering outlined in 1 Peter?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- What are the five stages of suffering outlined in 1 Peter? How do they relate to the five stages of growth?Job 19:25-26 · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- What does the Bible teach about the stages of suffering?Job 19:25-26 · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- Explain the progression of faith using the five Hebrew words.Job 13:15 · The Basics · Lesson 1–5: The Potential—Faith
- What does the Bible teach about God's promises?Job 13:15 · The Basics
- Describe the five stages of spiritual growth. Relate each stage to one of the five Hebrew words for faith.Job 13:15 · The Basics · Lesson 3–5: The Goal—Spiritual Maturity
- What are the five stages of spiritual growth on the path from the cross to the crown?Job 13:15 · The Basics · Lesson 3–5: The Goal—Spiritual Maturity
- What is the biblical teaching on being a hero of faith?Job 13:15 · The Basics
See also
- What tactic of Satan finally worked on Job?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- Describe Job’s three friends and the “comfort” they offered.Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- Describe an incident in the life of Jesus that illustrates the principle that sin in our lives is not the only explanation for suffering.Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- When God breaks His silence, how many of Job’s questions does He answer? Basically, what does He say to Job?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- What is Job’s response to God’s words?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- Do you think that Job today would say that his suffering was worth the pain he experienced? Give reasons for your answer.Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
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