Why is there suffering in the world? If God is really a good God, why does He allow so much pain in people’s lives? In his book The Problem of Pain C.S. Lewis gives intellectual answer to those who pose such questions from an intellectual standpoint. Yet he is the first to admit that a person going through suffering and pain is not looking for an intellectual answer… which brings us to our Quote of the Week:
“…when pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than knowledge, a little human sympathy more than courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.” (p. xii)
Hi Peg, my personal findings is this…I believe we are blessed with choice, suffering is caused by the choices we make, we use our ego to make a choice, we use our heart to make a choice and so fourth..we reflect our own emotions based on the outcome of choices. God gave us a gift, choice.
But also remembering from the outcome of these choices we need to understand that these are lessons to advance or educate us for the road less travelled.
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your comment! I think C.S. Lewis would agree that much of the pain and suffering in the world is a result of poor choices — either our own or others’ as they effect us. He spends a couple of chapters in the book describing how sin (our chronic state of imperfect-ness) is often the root cause of pain and suffering.
The quote I pulled above is from the book’s introduction, in which Lewis points out (rightly) that he is making intellectual arguments to counter intellectual challenges to faith, and that these arguments won’t do the job of caring for those who are going through painful times.
… which doesn’t in any way counter your observations and experiences! Thanks for sharing them.
Your quote is excellent. But then, C.S. Lewis is simply good. 🙂 The thing I have struggled with over the years when in deep, intensive pain, is somehow not being able to tap in to, or to cognizantly experience that tincture of the love of God that Lewis is speaking of. Intellectually I knew (know) it is there; experientially, I fell (fall) short. As, I am convince, do most people.
Yes, occasionally, God makes His love and presence very much known. But all too often, for His own reasons, He seems to remain silent. And this is where we, His church, do have a commission to step up to the plate, so to speak, and offer that word of courage, (please notice that I used Lewis’ word, “courage,” not “encouragement,” – there is a big difference) – that bit of sympathy – and this is what so many of us do not want to do. It can get messy. And we don’t want to have to deal with it.
Yet, surprisingly, just like the little child whose mom has been gone for awhile and who then upon her return is noisy and intrusive, longing for some time from mom, and who quietens down when he gets it, if she is wise enough to give of herself for 5 minutes or so – just like him, the hurting person often responds tremendously to just a few words of kindness when given from the heart, or 30 minutes of time, when given freely and not with a chomping at the bits to leave attitude, or a few dollars if there is genuine financial need.
Much suffering will simply take time to heal. But it is living through that time that is the issue. I will never forget something a friend shared once. Her husband of over 40 years had suddenly dropped dead from a heart attack. Many people brought over food and dropped it off. But one friend brought the food and then stayed to eat it with her. This is what helped. The other food was much needed and appreciated; but it did not in and of itself bringing healing and comfort. Staying to eat with her did.
Charlotte, what a beautiful post!
I’ve struggled with the same issue myself and have come to the same conclusion — sometimes God listens and comforts directly, but sometimes God calls other people to step up and give a little time and a listening ear, to bring His message of love home.
I love your friend’s story — need to write it on my heart so I don’t forget.
Thank you for sharing!