Grief

What is so Wrong About Suffering?

by James Hoffman
01/04/17
Free to Share

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

What is so wrong about suffering?

2017. American Christianity seems to have added a central pillar to its belief system, namely, healing. This seemingly core belief has been gaining popularity amongst evangelicals for decades. Certainly, the pursuit of immortality has existed throughout human history, but does it have any room in Christianity? Should Christians pursue a type of eternal life outside of that which is obtained by grace through faith? 

We can all recall the story of Ponce de Leon, and his pursuit for the fountain of youth. The story goes that the water that came from the fountain had healing powers, so much that it could prolong life, perhaps eternally. It may not be the 16th century anymore, but the chase for ultimate healing and freedom from suffering continues.

I oftentimes wonder what would the reactions of the apostles would be if they were able to sit and watch American Christian television today. Certainly, they would be confused by the claims of it being Christian while healing and financial prosperity is the focal point. I mean think about it. Imagine Christ speaking to the rich young ruler with the same mindset as these prosperity leaders. I would picture the conversation going something like this:

"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus replies: "You know the commandments...."

"Oh, Jesus, I have kept these from my youth!"

Jesus replies: "Great job! Your in!"

As silly as this illustration sounds, this is exactly how "name-it-and-claim-it" speakers make the gospel out to be. As we recall from the true ending of this event, Jesus replied to the man’s claim of holding on to the commandments with, "Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Mark 10:21). This response frustrates the young ruler, and he leaves the conversation saddened. If there is anything we can attribute to this young man's flight response, it would seem to be an attempt to escape suffering. This is the very theme of this article, that what once was an expected requirement embraced by followers of Christ, is now avoided at all cost, and even thought to be something Christians should not ever experience.

I was recently reading Christian Apologist Dr. Nabeel Qureshi on social media. Nabeel is battling a very difficult fight for his health right now, a battle that I personally pray for, and have asked others in Christ to do so as well (as I do those who read this). However, a recent post of his initiated some deep contemplation, which in fact led me to write this article. In a recent update, Nabeel asked his readers to pray for him, but it wasn't the simple request for prayer that stood out to me, but it was his request that not only would he be completely healed, but that he would have no symptoms whatsoever. That is, from the sickness and medicine, as if there were no issue at all. 

I immediately thought of the passage in the book of James, which states: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (1:2-4)." In this context, it is almost as if Nabeel is asking God to take away an opportunity to experience joy.

A quick aside, I want to say that I am not condemning Nabeel. It is simply his situation which sparked this thought, and I would not advise him to stop praying for healing. Furthermore I do not want to see or hear of his suffering as if it would make him any more "Christian" in my sight. I am speaking specifically to individuals desire to not suffer whatsoever, this is not directed to Nabeel as I have never met him, nor do I stand in a posterior to make that type of judgment. Even if I did, I most certainly would not capitalize on the moment by writing a public article.

Regardless, we need to approach suffering as we do anything else, by searching the scriptures first. The main scripture that I always discuss with people concerning suffering is Romans 5:3-5:

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

And further in chapter 8 verse 18:

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
 

Lastly, 1 Peter 4:12-19:

"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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ..."

Though it is not my intention in this brief article to expound in depth on these texts, I would like to point out three things for reflection and consideration. 1.) There was expectancy to suffering. Especially in the text of Peter, the reader is forewarned not to be surprised by it! When one actually experiences suffering, they were not to be caught off guard. 2.) There was a fixed time to the suffering, that is to say the period of suffering is told to be finite, or temporary. Each of the aforementioned verses provides a promise of relief and even redemption that will come after the suffering concludes. 3.) God uses the suffering for a particular purpose. Just as sure as suffering is promised, a result is equally promised. If anything this is what the Romans 5 verse lays out plainly. This is not to say we will receive some time of blessing necessarily, but God is certainly molding something in us through this situation. 

As a counselor and a student of psychology, I think it would be irresponsible of me to conclude without a thought from my own field. This is even more so when my field actually agrees with the word of God. The old phrase coined by Nietzsche, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" comes to mind. In psychology and counseling, we talk about the benefits of suffering as "Post-traumatic growth". There are countless amounts of potential benefits that result from one's resilience to suffering or trauma. Oftentimes it takes time after the situation concludes. Perhaps it even requires an individual to seek external help. Regardless, after sometime, individuals will tend to have acquired some skills or other positive attributes that were not previously there.

As a closing thought to the reader I would propose the opportunity to analyze how you have suffered. I am certainly not speaking to physical health alone. Suffering happens in numerous areas of our lives: relationships, finances, mental health, and loss, to name a few. What is your first reaction to suffering? Do you immediately seek relief? Do you seek Gods will, or just plead for a new circumstance alone? Reread examples of great suffering in the Bible, and notice the following:

1.) What was their first response?

2.) What was Gods response to their action?

3.) Did they receive relief?

4.) If not, what did they take away from the situation, if anything?

I plead with you, brothers and sisters in Christ: suffer well.

(All Scripture has been quoted from ESV)