Hi Nard, that is a great question, and we can turn to the Bible for help. The Bible provides several insights that can help us understand this difficult issue.
Death entered the world through Adam's sin, not through God's original design (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). We live in a fallen world where death, disease, and suffering are present…
Hi Nard, that is a great question, and we can turn to the Bible for help. The Bible provides several insights that can help us understand this difficult issue.
Death entered the world through Adam's sin, not through God's original design (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). We live in a fallen world where death, disease, and suffering are present because of humanity's collective sin. This means that the tragedies we experience are a result of living in a broken world, not a direct act of God.
God is not the author of calamity but rather our Comforter in the midst of it (John 14:26). He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). While we may not understand why certain events happen, we can trust that God is with us, providing comfort and strength during our times of grief.
It is important to remember that believers are not under God's wrath or judgment (Romans 5:9; John 5:24). Jesus' death on the cross was the full punishment for our sins, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). This means that God is not punishing us or our loved ones through death or suffering.
Our hope as Christians is not in this life but in the eternal life we have in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). Jesus promises us that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The assurance of eternal life with God provides us with hope and comfort, even in the face of loss.
Though we do not have all the answers to why specific tragedies occur, we can trust in God's goodness, His presence with us, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. ✝️❤️
Thank you for this. I had been feeling like God was punishing me for something since 2020 with everything that had happened in my life and to family and friends. A little while ago I suddenly came to the understanding that it wasn’t all about me and that the reasons for my loved ones dying when they did likely had more to do with them, their needs, and with the situation in the world at large, than with me—even though I was suffering the consequences. And so your reminder that whatever happens to us in this world, that is not what we need to focus on, is very timely. I need to keep in mind that eternal life, not this fallen world, is what my sights should always be on.
Oh no, our loved ones dying is never God's punishment. Death was never God's plan for the world. But He uses it, and the greatest mystery of all is that he chose to experience it himself as Christ, turning the most horrible of things into the greatest demonstration of his love for us.
I too have lost loved ones, but I know that God loves them even more than I do. I do not believe God wanted my daughter to suffer and die from cancer (her death was caused by negligent doctors and is on them not God; he allows us free will after all, and that means people are free to be criminally negligent). I do believe He knew she would die this way and provided so many graces including the timing of her death. He loves her so much more than I; I am just beginning to see that now. Grief is a journey and a long and winding one. Be patient with yourself through it. 🙏💜
I guess it just felt like a lot to go through, and even though I knew on an intellectual level that it wasn’t punishment, it sure felt like it 😕 At first I just thought, God is trying to teach me something through this, but then came to the realization that whatever I learn is not necessarily the reason for these things happening, but more simply an effect, if that makes any sense.
And, "whom God loves, He chastens" as I ( having just returned from hospital 6/29 , with a splint on shattered radius) responded to grandson who asked, "Why does Grandma have so many accidents?"
I follow pastor Dr. Andrew Farley, who has a wonderful, purely Biblical grace message that surprises most Christians. Most of us don't realize we can rest in Jesus and stop trying to out-best everyone else with our good works. Check him out!
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Matthew 14:27
Hi Nard, that is a great question, and we can turn to the Bible for help. The Bible provides several insights that can help us understand this difficult issue.
Death entered the world through Adam's sin, not through God's original design (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). We live in a fallen world where death, disease, and suffering are present because of humanity's collective sin. This means that the tragedies we experience are a result of living in a broken world, not a direct act of God.
God is not the author of calamity but rather our Comforter in the midst of it (John 14:26). He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). While we may not understand why certain events happen, we can trust that God is with us, providing comfort and strength during our times of grief.
It is important to remember that believers are not under God's wrath or judgment (Romans 5:9; John 5:24). Jesus' death on the cross was the full punishment for our sins, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). This means that God is not punishing us or our loved ones through death or suffering.
Our hope as Christians is not in this life but in the eternal life we have in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). Jesus promises us that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The assurance of eternal life with God provides us with hope and comfort, even in the face of loss.
Though we do not have all the answers to why specific tragedies occur, we can trust in God's goodness, His presence with us, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. ✝️❤️
Thank you for this. I had been feeling like God was punishing me for something since 2020 with everything that had happened in my life and to family and friends. A little while ago I suddenly came to the understanding that it wasn’t all about me and that the reasons for my loved ones dying when they did likely had more to do with them, their needs, and with the situation in the world at large, than with me—even though I was suffering the consequences. And so your reminder that whatever happens to us in this world, that is not what we need to focus on, is very timely. I need to keep in mind that eternal life, not this fallen world, is what my sights should always be on.
Oh no, our loved ones dying is never God's punishment. Death was never God's plan for the world. But He uses it, and the greatest mystery of all is that he chose to experience it himself as Christ, turning the most horrible of things into the greatest demonstration of his love for us.
I too have lost loved ones, but I know that God loves them even more than I do. I do not believe God wanted my daughter to suffer and die from cancer (her death was caused by negligent doctors and is on them not God; he allows us free will after all, and that means people are free to be criminally negligent). I do believe He knew she would die this way and provided so many graces including the timing of her death. He loves her so much more than I; I am just beginning to see that now. Grief is a journey and a long and winding one. Be patient with yourself through it. 🙏💜
I guess it just felt like a lot to go through, and even though I knew on an intellectual level that it wasn’t punishment, it sure felt like it 😕 At first I just thought, God is trying to teach me something through this, but then came to the realization that whatever I learn is not necessarily the reason for these things happening, but more simply an effect, if that makes any sense.
Amen RL. That focus will also help when things get tumultuous and stressful here. This is not our home ! Eternity is what matters
I needed the reminder myself! ❤️
Hugs
Thank you ❤️
And, "whom God loves, He chastens" as I ( having just returned from hospital 6/29 , with a splint on shattered radius) responded to grandson who asked, "Why does Grandma have so many accidents?"
Susie, this life is but a vapor compred to eternity in the bliss of God's love. That's where Cory is as a reward for ptotecting his family.
Susie and Security.
What an excellent answer!
I follow pastor Dr. Andrew Farley, who has a wonderful, purely Biblical grace message that surprises most Christians. Most of us don't realize we can rest in Jesus and stop trying to out-best everyone else with our good works. Check him out!
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Matthew 14:27
Amen and amen. God bless His messenger of salvation and hope. ❤️🙏❤️
Amen!