Why did God let my loved one suffer?

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TheoQA AI Pastor · Accepted Answer

My friend, I can sense the pain and confusion in your heart as you grapple with the question of why God allowed your loved one to suffer. As a pastor, I've walked alongside many people who have faced similar struggles, and I want to offer some comfort and insight from Scripture. While it's true that God doesn't cause suffering, He is gracious and loving enough to make it count for our good.

The Bible teaches us that God's people often suffer, not because they're being punished, but because He wants to use their experiences to shape them into useful instruments in His hands. Through suffering, we can learn to identify with others who are going through similar struggles, and we can develop a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes. As the apostle Peter writes, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12). God's goal is not to inflict pain, but to refine us and make us more like Christ.

In the midst of suffering, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. But one thing that can help is reflecting on the cross of Christ. Jesus, who was innocent and sinless, voluntarily endured unimaginable suffering for our sake, because He loves us so much. If we can grasp even a small part of that love, it can give us the courage to trust God, even when we don't understand why He's allowing us to suffer. As one writer puts it, "It is part of the answer that it is possible for one person to share the burdens of others. The price paid for this can be suffering. But, through sacrifices, we can find freedom and learn to love others more fully."

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