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Your Question:
why does god allow pain?
Answer:
**The Problem of Pain** The question of why God allows pain is a complex and age-old problem that has puzzled believers and non-believers alike for centuries. From a biblical perspective, God desires that there should be no physical pain in his creation, but in certain instances, he decides not to prevent it by a special act of his own. This is not because he takes delight in physical distress, but rather because he has a greater purpose in allowing pain to occur. Pain can become a considerable evil under certain circumstances, but God could have created his world in such a way that evil intentions or evil results would not occur. However, this would not have allowed humans to learn from their mistakes and develop self-awareness. **The Purpose of Pain** God allows pain for a variety of reasons, but ultimately, it is to bring us closer to him and to teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and our relationship with him. Pain can be a means of discipline, a way of teaching us to trust and obey God even when we feel powerless. It can also be a means of purification, a way of removing sin and selfishness from our lives. Furthermore, pain can be a means of redemption, a way of bringing us to a deeper understanding of God's love and forgiveness. When we experience pain, we should never think it is because God is punishing us, but rather that he is using it to draw us closer to himself. **The Character of God** The problem of pain often leads people to question the character of God, to wonder if he is aloof and distant, or if he is truly loving and forgiving. However, the Bible teaches us that God is a God of love and compassion, who desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us. He is not a God who takes pleasure in our suffering, but rather a God who uses it to bring us closer to himself. When we experience pain, we should not doubt God's love or forgiveness, but rather trust that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find peace and comfort even in the midst of pain and suffering. Ultimately, the problem of pain is not a reason to doubt God's existence or character, but rather an opportunity to deepen our relationship with him and to trust in his goodness and love.
Sources:
dogmatic theology
shedd
christian theology
millard erickson
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
depression
edward welch
why does god allow evil
clay jones
systematic theology
wayne grudem
on guard
william lane craig
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