Nov 15th, 2020: The Nature of Suffering

 The Purpose of Suffering


The nature of evil has been written and discussed in theology and philosophy throughout the ages. Ancient Asian philosophers pondered on whether humanity was either born to be good and learned to be evil or born to be evil and learned to be good. Eventually, suffering will be mentioned. Buddhism talks about we can never be satisfied even though we have all we wanted. Then comes the root of human suffering. Christian teaching refers to human suffering as being separated from God because of our fallen nature.

Suffering is a real deal. Doing good doesn't grant us a suffering-free passage through life. Sometimes we ask questions like why good people suffer? Where is God in suffering? When is it going to end?

Somehow the real deal is being seen as a bad deal. We don't like it. There are many forms and expressions of human suffering. Covid-19 pandemic has underlined emotional suffering among seniors as they are isolated and separated from their families. It also points toward the real importance of human existence, our relationships with others.

Relationships are feeding us with hope, dreams, and a great sense of belonging. It brings out both the best and the worst of who we are. The outcome of human sin is broken and damaged relationships. It has enduring impacts and consequences on our life. Trust is the lifeline among people, and it will be the first casualty of any damaged relationship.

We are witnessing a great deal of that in our world today. We don't listen well to one another, and we don't engage well when we disagree. Trust is absent in much of our human interaction these days. Suffering continues.

"May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering" - Buddha
"He who is attached to things will suffer much." - Laozi

"When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind." - C.S. Lewis

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16: 33

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." - 2 Timothy 3: 12

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