Tag Archives: kingdom living

Compassion: A Movement of the Heart

March 7, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Motivation for compassion

Throughout this series we have focused on compassion: its definition, its motivation, and its costs. We defined compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. Compassion is generally motivated by an individual’s awareness of suffering and the effort it would take to relieve it. Included in that assessment is the costs to become engaged in extending compassion. The Parable of the Good Samaritan helped us visualize the different factors that impacted the extension of compassion.

How can I develop compassion?

There are various teachings in psychology and sociology that suggest that there are ways individuals can increase their compassion IQ.

One school of thought is that compassion is natural and it comes in the “flow of life”. We have compassion for our friends who experience loss or groups of people who experience displacement due to a natural catastrophe. “Feelings of compassion don’t need to be forced,” they say. Simply open your heart, let yourself be moved, and let compassion flow through.” They also recommend activities each day to “open oneself” to compassion’s flow.

However, as followers of Christ, we believe compassion is achieved by more than an intellectual assessment, the natural flow of life, or exercises we can practice. For believers, our display of compassion is motivated by something greater.

A meeting of the hearts

Brené Brown in her book, Atlas of the Heart, describes compassion this way.

Compassion is the daily practice of recognizing and accepting our shared humanity so that we treat ourselves and others with loving-kindness and we take action in the face of suffering. Compassion is a “virtuous response that seeks to address the suffering and needs of a person through relational understanding and action.”

In her description, Brené captures the connecting link between us and those we see suffering. It is our humanity. It is important that we continually acknowledge the “humanity factor” and the fact that we each are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and therefore, are to be treated with both love and respect. It is our humanity that extends beyond our intellectual lens of who are deserving of our mercy and kindness (Micah 6:8).

Compassion is a spiritual response.

The previous sources of compassion where intellectually derived. In contrast, God’s compassion is spiritually based. Can a non-Christian show compassion? Of course. The difference is the motivation that leads to their act of mercy and kindness.

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the first two travelers’ motivation to intercede was influenced by their flesh. Their final choice was based on what best satisfied their “flesh”: self-comfort, self-preservation, and self-importance.

The Good Samaritan, on the other hand, saw the need, and then resolved to help because he looked with “spiritual eyes”. He looked at the man and saw his humanity. Like himself, the beaten traveler was in the image of God and deserving mercy. Setting his fleshly responses aside, the Samaritan then showed him compassion.

Are we ready to show compassion?

Compassion for the believer is motivated by two things: our identity in Christ, and our relationship with God. Our spiritual position demands a “different response” to the situations and circumstances we experience in this “fallen world.”

To increase our compassion IQ, I recommend we become more like Jesus. Jesus’ compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matt. 9:36), the sickly masses (Matt. 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isa. 61:1-3).

The true center of Christian living is that we be extensions of Jesus to those in need. These needs can be social, political, or financial. They can be resolved through advocacy, philanthropy, sponsorship, or personal involvement. Jesus’ compassion still flows to and through us today. As the elect of God, holy and beloved, we are to put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering (Col. 3:12).

Dear Jesus,

Help me to daily see the humanity in others. Let me not be moved by my head but by my heart. As You saw and were “moved with compassion”, let me be moved by love and bowels of mercy. Help me be your hands and help those whom You send into my life.

Knowing God

Am I Compassionate?

March 1, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Ask me a question…I’ll tell you no lie.

This series on compassion was inspired by a question someone asked me. “Do you think I’m compassionate?” My first thought was, “why are you asking me this question?” Had I bored them with sharing the rigors of my last six-months including the death of my only sister? Had they been overwhelmed with the traumatic events rehearsed continually on the evening news and social media?

I didn’t have an answer. However, I thought it admirable that they cared enough to ask the question.

Do you think I’m compassionate?

That’s a good question to ask especially in this age when we’re often told to “suck-it-up and keep it moving’. We daily are traumatized and stressed by events of our world. We are awakened each morning with updates of the war in at least 2-3 countries, at least two “natural disasters” (one international and one nationally), and let’s not forget the threats “seen and unseen” (Psa. 91:5-6). Perhaps these fears are the reason we emotionally “tune out” what’s happening to us in order to protect ourselves. Why do we “shut down”?

Recently published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology is this insight about why people resist experiencing compassion for others, despite it being a generally positive feeling.

More people are finding it increasingly difficult to engage with each other, and as people are overwhelmed with the amount of suffering right now due to the pandemic, it may make compassion particularly difficult.

The cost of caring

Without a doubt, showing compassion costs. The cost is expressed in both emotional commitment and physical engagement. The characters in the Parable of the Good Samaritan considered the cost. This would include their understanding of the situation which would determine their engagement. They would then consider the effort it would take to resolve the problem. A little or a great deal?

The priest “saw the traveler and moved to the other side.” The priest evaluated the situation. He probably thought the man was dead. What would he do with a dead man on the road? Bury him? Take him with him? He didn’t even know him. Too much work! He also knew that involvement with a dead person would make him ceremonially “unclean” (Num. 9:7). The uncleanness would last for at least seven days, until he could be purified again. He wouldn’t be able to conduct his duties at the temple. He had to protect his job. Based on the effort and his understanding of the situation, he left the man on the road. Do his responses sound like ours when we see someone in need?

The Levite “came and looked”. He saw that the traveler wasn’t dead, so why didn’t he help? The text doesn’t say, and we choose not to speculate. Regardless, the result was the same as with the priest, the Levite “passed by the other side.”

What would we have done in this situation? Hindsight is 20/20. We know the back drop for the parable and how the story ends. But in 2023, when we are faced with pain and suffering, do we also “pass to the other side”? Do we need to understand all the details and effort required before we engage in others pain?

Compassion—a mental or spiritual challenge

Why was the response by the Samaritan different than the priest and the Levite? What was the principle Jesus was attempting to share with the lawyer (Luke 10:25-29) and also to us living in 2023? We are to show mercy and compassion, like the Samaritan.

The word compassion in the Luke 10 passage is used almost exclusively to describe Jesus’ response in the Gospel accounts. It is a verb (action word) showing the deepest level of compassion (Luke 7:13). It means to have the bowels yearn. When Jesus’ compassionate response was described in this way, the occasion was often the turning point in someone’s life (Mark 1:40-42; Matt 9:33-38)

Called to be compassionate

While there are mental processes that we use to engage in compassion, we must focus our responses on that which God expects. God expects us to show compassion to those He places in our path and sphere of influence. Jesus expects us to act like the Samaritan and “show mercy” (Luke 10:37).

God calls each of us to have compassion for others. That call is more than an appeal for us to “feel pity for the needy”. It is a call to care enough to become involved. Like Jesus’ compassion, we are expected to take action that will set others’ lives on a fresh, new course.

Victorious Living

God’s Compassion: A Study in Contrast

February 21, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Our Emotional Response (ER)

Last week, we described compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. With that definition we introduced a series of emotional responses (ERs) to the pain and suffering we experience. The intent was to help us better understand the differences in our emotional response to the anguish and distress of others.

Our ER can fall on a continuum ranging from pity to compassion. This is summarized below:

As we survey our cities, nation, and the world, we appear to be more jaded in our feelings concerning the plight of others. This cynical view has begun to infiltrate, not only our personal response but has become reflected in our reaction to the growing social issues and “human problems” we face each day. For example, can we honestly say that our education, health, and social systems reflect compassion for the people they are to serve? Are we REALLY our brother’s keeper (Gen. 4:9)?

I wonder what God has to say about our ER to the conditions of our world. Does God view compassion in the same way we do? This week we will explore how our view of compassion differs from God’s view.

Will the compassionate people please stand?

How would you describe a compassionate person? Would you describe yourself as compassionate? You may be sometimes and then at other times, not compassionate at all? Why the difference in ER?

The Greater Good of Berkeley University define compassion as a mental state or orientation toward suffering (your own or others’) and includes four components:

- Bringing attention or awareness to recognizing that there is suffering (cognitive)
- Feeling emotionally moved by that suffering (affective)
- Wishing there to be relief from that suffering (intentional)
- A readiness to take action to relieve that suffering (motivational)

This explanation does not consider other factors that may also impact our ability to respond with compassion, such as understanding the nature of the situation and the effort required to resolve the situation.

Where’s the compassion?

If we look at Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31-37), what were the orientations or mental states of the travelers, as described by The Greater Good.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came, and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Where did the train go off the rails? The priest “saw”. The Levite “came and looked.” Only the Samaritan moved passed the cognitive response and moved directly to motivational. “The Samaritan came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion”.

So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

More like God

The Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translate “compassion” to have a broader meaning such as “to love” and “to show mercy.” Synonyms for compassion in English are “to be loved by,” “to show concern for,” to be tenderhearted,” and “to act kindly.” Do these words describe you?

Compassion is an inherent part of God’s very being (Exod. 34:6). In the Old Testament, God’s compassion was rooted in His covenant relationship with His people (2 Kings 13:23).

In the New Testament, God’s compassion is demonstrated in His Son’s ministry and among His people. Jesus’ messianic compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matt. 9:36), the sickly masses (Matt. 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), the demon possessed (Mark 5:90), the unclean lepers (Luke 5:12-16), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isa. 61:1-3).

In our generation, Jesus has extended compassion to each of us—the hopeless sinner (Rom. 5:8). While compassion is not a uniquely Christian response to suffering (Luke 10:33), Christians have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate disposition. God compassionately and truly cares what happens to us. We will talk more next week about how to develop a more compassionate disposition and its importance in navigating 21^st century living.

Advent/Christmas

What do you want for Christmas?

December 20, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Christmas past

What do you want for Christmas this year? What’s your ask? When I was a child, my anticipation of Christmas was so high. I remember the special journey to see the animated Christmas displays in the store windows in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The shops on “Petticoat Lane” and the special baked goods at “The Cake Box”. There was no sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing our list of wants, but endless nights of looking at the special Christmas catalogue from Sears, J.C. Penney’s, and “Monkey Wards” (Montgomery Wards). What a wonderful and magical time!

But I’m no longer a child. To the contrary, I’m a grandmother and family elder. Now as I anticipate Christmas, I ask myself, what do I want? What are my choices? Things eternal or things of this world? Now I must look beyond Christmas Day with its torn wrapping paper and empty boxes. I want something that lasts beyond Christmas Day. Don’t you? As we close out this year, I invite you to join me in answering this question for yourself.

What’s on your list?

Harry & David suggests we warm hearts with festive gourmet gifts and Christmas gift baskets. That’s no surprise! “Do it Yourselfers” ensure us that handmade gifts will be received with joy: polaroid photo magnets (try finding a polaroid camera), beautifully packaged cookie mixes or pretty finger knit blankets. Who has the time?

Topping the list of the 23 “hottest cool gadgets” for Christmas is a Black Bird drone with camera for $99. “For the first time, ordinary people can capture crazy selfies and shots that were previously only possible with professional equipment.” I’m sure our neighbors and friends will love sharing in on this gift.

But what do people really want?

Here are some things to consider as you plan your gift shopping.

In an article entitled The Top 10 Things People Want in Life but Can’t Seem to Get, I was amazed in reading the responses to this informal survey that probed “critical life and career questions.” From my reading, I compiled (in their order of importance) the top five (5) areas people are feeling desperate about: happiness, money, freedom, peace, and joy. I’ve included a sixth, balance, since it is the focus of many Millennials and Genxers. What was surprising was that most of the items were intangible, subjective (what I can feel), and internal versus external.

In the aftermath of COVID (before the variants), people wanted “relationship”. A few verbatims are captured below recognizing the extraordinary power and satisfaction that can only be found through our connection with one another.

“Have a big family get together!”
“Go to a game and watch some sports!”
“See my mom in assisted living.”
“Make sure all my friends are cured too, then we’ll party!”

A new Barna Group report was released this month on trends in the Black church[1]. When asked what churchgoers wanted for their lives, the results were as follows:

84% wanted good health
83% wanted a close relationship with God
77% wanted to provide for their family
75% wanted a clear purpose for living

Note the focus of the three groups. They were primarily, intangibles, subjective, and internal.

What I want for Christmas 2022

Challenges will continue in 2023. Financial upheaval, political squabbles, shortages, rising social needs, hunger, and homelessness (regardless of the new names). What do we need? What do we want?

After conducting my personal survey among friends and family, I’ve created a revised “short Christmas list”. Many of the items on this list have been sermonized during this season of Advent. They are hope, peace, joy, and love.

- Hope—”expecting a better future for the world, our nation, and our families”
- Peace— “less hatred, division, and political strife”
- Joy— “more contentment and gratitude regardless of our situation”
- Love—”better relationships and greater compassion for others”

Reflecting on the various lists of “things” people desire, it is clear, God has already provided these and much more. Happiness, freedom, and balance. God will provide it. Relationship. God will be whomever we need in our life. Hope, peace, joy, and love. In Him and in His presence, we will find more than we need (Eph. 3:20-21). It is up to each of us to access our heavenly gifts through faith and obedience to God. In Christ, all these things are currently ours.

Below are my “gift lists” available to us through relationship with our Heavenly Father, Who only gives “good and perfect gifts” (James 1:17). God’s gifts last beyond the torn tissue and open boxes. They last beyond Christmas day through all of eternity. With God and in Christ, every day is Christmas.

Ephesians 1:3-17
2 Peter 1:3-18

[1] This report was created in partnership with Black Millennial Café, Urban Ministries, Inc., Compassion International to celebrate the legacy of the Black Church in America and to pursue racial justice inside and outside the Church. With that intent, there is no comparative study for White churches.

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: Where is God in our Suffering?

October 18, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Suffering Summary

We began our study on suffering by discussing its definition and its implication in the life of the believer. While no one wants to suffer, it is a fact of life that we must manage every day. We mentioned early in the series how we try to alleviate our suffering. Living in a fallen world, however, we will experience some form of suffering.

We examined the practice of pain management and the strategies we use to ease our pain and suffering. For believers, we agreed that our pain management comes from our knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. Armed with that knowledge, we can live confidently, trusting in His goodness and His greatness. (Ps. 27: 1-3).

We concluded that having the right theology of suffering will help us to not only manage the pain, but also sustain us through our suffering. Suffering is best managed first, by putting our trust in God and secondarily, by having a Christian worldview.

Where is God?

With all we’ve discussed about suffering to date, there is yet one question we have. “Where is God in the midst of our suffering?” Through the COVID pandemic, in natural disasters, and during mass shootings; with these and many more events in mind, where is God? This is where the right theology of suffering is important.

If we believe that God is our spiritual “Superman” who will rescue us from suffering, then we will always be disappointed. God loves us and is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. His glory and His power can best be recognized not in His rescuing us “from” our suffering BUT INSTEAD in His provision for us “during” our suffering. God is where He has always been and where He will always be—actively participating in our suffering.

How does God participate in our suffering? By sustaining us (Ps. 55:22; Phil. 4:19). By strengthening us (Ps. 27:1; 2 Thess. 3:3). By comforting us (John 14:7; 2 Cor. 1:3-5). By providing and protecting us (Isa. 54:10). God is not observing our suffering from afar. He is ever near (2 Chron. 16:9; Isa. 30:21).

As our Sovereign, God controls all events, people, and circumstances that flow into our lives. By faith we trust God, knowing that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). And that purpose may include the experience of suffering (2 Cor. 12:7). Without God we can’t fit suffering into the fabric of life.

Look for Jesus in the midst

In reading God’s Word and through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, I have learned to not only, trust in God, but also, “look for God” during my suffering.

While working with a soul healing team, we witnessed how the Holy Spirit would reveal Jesus in the midst of a person’s painful experience. The Holy Spirit helped individuals see Jesus during their situation. They realized they were not alone. Jesus was there with them! Sustaining, comforting, strengthening, and protecting.

Jesus is always with us! We must learn to practice looking for God during times of suffering. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see Jesus with you during times of suffering. Look for Him with your spiritual eyes.

Closing words on suffering

F.B. Meyer, noted theologian, wrote these words about suffering.

Suffering in the will of God challenges us to persevere in our faith. God desires to use such suffering to advance his Kingdom and righteousness in many ways, including further conforming us to the image of God. We need to keep the right perspective about such suffering.

Andrew Murray had this to say about suffering:

By faith alone are we able to bear suffering, great or small, alright to God’s glory, or our own welfare. Faith sees it in the light of God and eternity; It’s short pain, it’s everlasting gain; it’s impotence to hurt the soul, it’s power to purify and to bless it.

While I appreciate both writer’s input, I commit to memory the following from my Lord and Savior Jesus. Especially its closing promise.

These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In this world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Spiritual Endurance

The Theology of Suffering: Purpose and Possibilities, Part 2

October 11, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Just the Facts

We understand that suffering is a part of life. As we know, suffering is not part of God’s original divine plan but is a result of sin. Because of that, Christians acknowledge that we live in a sinful, “fallen world.” As believers, our response to suffering—pain, distress, and hardship—is shaped by two key factors. First, our trust in God (Ps. 62:5-8) and secondarily, our Christian worldview (Eccl. 9:11).

An “enlightened” response

The Bible also informs our response to suffering. Although it offers no “magic pill” to overcome pain and distress, it does reveal how God operates on our behalf during difficult times (2 Cor. 1:3-5). Jesus demonstrated how man can operate knowing he will suffer. For Jesus, suffering was needful and “purposeful” (Heb. 2:10). It resulted in the salvation of mankind and the elimination of the power of sin (Heb. 2:14-15). In His suffering and death, Jesus modelled for us His trust in and obedience to God.

How we choose to respond to our suffering will determine its purpose and possibility in our life. As I said earlier, our response to suffering can either make us “better or bitter”, it all depends on our trust in God and our worldview. These create an enlightened, faith-based response.

Better or bitter?

In 2010, a well-known Bible teacher and speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada was diagnosed with breast cancer. The thing that made this news so heart wrenching for me was the fact that Joni had for the last 43 years lived as a quadriplegic—and now this? Questions raced in my mind. “How much suffering can a person take?” She dedicated her life to Christ and helping others—and now this? The old cliché came to mind. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Can any good come from suffering?

Certain types of suffering may result from our own wrong choices or because of the wrong choices and acts of others. But regardless of the cause (sin), it is our personal response that really matters. A faith-based response will not only enable us to cope during the suffering but also rekindle our hope (2 Cor. 4:7-9). It will also strengthen our resolve and build our resiliency (2 Cor. 4:15-17).

Suffering—purpose and possibility

Our suffering is purposeful. As a ship is proven seaworthy by the beating of the waves and the whipping of the winds, likewise, our suffering aids us in becoming mature Christians.

The Apostle Peter states that after we have “suffered a while, we will be perfect, established, strengthened and settled” (1 Pet. 5:10). Paul eloquently witnessed to the value of his many suffering experiences and the future reward of his obedience and faith: “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).

How we respond to suffering is a witness to the power of God and His sustaining Presence (The Holy Spirit) in our life. It will result in His praise, honor, and glory (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Our suffering offers possibilities. Possibilities is defined as “unspecified qualities of a promising nature”. In Latin, possibilis means “able to be done.” All things are possible, even in the midst of suffering, if we build our full reliance and trust in God. Is anything, including our suffering, too hard for God? (Jer. 32:27)

Possibilities build our hope. As Christ trusted Himself to His Father, so should we believers commit ourselves to our faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:19). He remains our strong tower and defense regardless of the challenges we face. In addition, our hope is anchored in the firm expectation that we will reign in heaven with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12). We are to fix our eyes on Christ and the future He has for us, even though we may suffer all kinds of trials in these present times (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

Can any good come from suffering?

What would Joni Eareckson Tada say? How would the Apostles Paul and Peter respond? If we read their writings, we’d find they would answer yes. Why would they respond in that manner? Because they had developed the right theology of suffering.

That theology was not based on their current condition (suffering) but on their trust in God and their Kingdom worldview. We are told that in everything we are to give thanks (1 Thess. 5:18). That includes our suffering. We know that in that suffering experience we are guaranteed the presence of God to sustain us and the exceeding promise of His glory, both now and in the future.

Next week, we will conclude our study on suffering by answering this question, “Where is God in suffering?”

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: Purpose and Possibilities, Part 1

October 4, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why suffering?

Pain and suffering have been themes for many great philosophers. But when we enter a time of suffering, all the wisest speculation of the philosophers seeing empty and meaningless. We simply hurt. And the mystery as to why we experience suffering often remains shrouded and hidden.

Beginning with Adam and Eve, human beings have suffered because of their wrong choices AND/OR because of the wrong choices and acts of others. As we shared earlier, suffering is the natural consequence of sin and therefore, an integral part of the human experience.

Biblical perspective of human suffering

Unlike the ancient Greek Stoics who viewed suffering as a man’s fate in an impersonal universe, the Bible affirms a world ordered by a personal God.

In the Old Testament suffering is set in the context of morality and the divine purpose. There is no hint of chance or fate. From a morality standpoint, suffering is a consequence of sin. God establishes a moral order in creation and retribution is metered out in life experiences.

Pain and suffering are concepts that draw attention to how human beings are affected by the tragedies of life. It is not the loss of a home or a loved one, nor physical agony, that seems devastating. It is how such an experience affects us within, causing doubts and fears and trembling as the pattern of our lives is shaken and our expectations fail.[1]

The prime Old Testament example of one who endured pain and suffering is Job. Although he was a person whom God Himself called blameless and upright (Job 1:8), he lost everything in a single day. However, even after Job was restored, there is no answer as to why he suffered. But in this revelation, we see, it was Job’s faithfulness and trust that resulted in blessings that were even greater than before his loss (Job 42:12-17).

In the New Testament, we discover God’s attitude to suffering expressed in Jesus. Not only did God sympathize, sharing in our hurt and suffering, but God in Jesus even entered humanity and took on to Himself the full weight of sin (Heb. 2:14-18). And with that weight came suffering. Christ presents to us a model we can use to “embrace” suffering. Jesus’ attitude reflected trust, obedience, patience, and hope.

So what are we to do?

Scripture offers no magic remedy when suffering surprises and overwhelms us. There is no verse to read that will instantly heal us or even dull our pain. Grasping what the Bible teaches us about suffering (and how to meet it) will not relieve it. Nor will it release us from circumstances beyond our control.

However, the biblical perspective on suffering, will enable us to better cope and even to overcome those difficult times. The sufferings of the prophets, the apostles, and others, just like us, “reveal” the goodness and the greatness of Almighty God.

It reaffirms our trust in God and encourages us to “go deeper” in our relationship with Him. While we may not understand the reason for our suffering, we as believers can be assured God is with us to both comfort and strengthen us. The God of the mountains—our good times—is the same God of the valley—our times of suffering (1 Kin. 20:28). It is in the valley that we rekindle our hope and trust in Him; that we will KNOW that He is our God!

Our theology of suffering

With every incident of pain and distress, we are continually “updating” our “theology of suffering”. What did we learn about ourselves or about God in this experience? Are we getting “bitter or better” in managing through suffering? How are we responding? With anger, fear, or trust?

The mystery as to “why” we experience suffering remains shrouded and hidden. However, our best strategy and response is to develop a theology that draws its strength, faith, and hope from Eternal God. Perhaps one day, in eternity, we will discover the purpose for our suffering. But once we see Jesus, will it really matter?

More on suffering, its purpose, and possibilities, next week.

[1] Encyclopedia of Bible Words, Zondervan Publishing House

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: Where does it come from?

September 27, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Suffering is part of life

I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but suffering is part of living in this fallen world. Suffering is the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. As humans, we continually look for every possible way to either avoid suffering or move through suffering as quickly as possible.

As we discussed last week, Satan introduced sin in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:16-19). Suffering is a natural consequence of sin. However, we often direct our frustration, not at its source, sin, but instead we ask, “Why did God let this happen?”

However, if we look behind the pain, distress, or hardship, we will discover “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). These things make up “the world system” that is at enmity with God. Take a moment and reflect on the latest sufferings. Even the extreme weather can now be attributed to man’s abuse of the ecology.

Our theology shapes our view of suffering

Our theology of suffering is shaped by our understanding of who God is. It is important to know who God is and conversely, who He is not. While God IS all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present, God does not exist to act as our Superman, or Wonder Woman, or Batman—running from here and there stopping evil.

God is the rightful ruler and authority over His universe (Col. 1:16). His divine plan of salvation and redemption of mankind is constantly at work. God is the sure foundation on which we can stand in times of uncertainty and times of suffering (Hab. 3:17-19).

Our trust in God shapes our view of suffering

Trust in God is another key factor that shapes our theology of suffering. In review of the biblical record, there are many incidents of suffering—pain, distress, or hardship. Incidents which required the Lord God to show Himself strong on behalf of His people. Sometimes God would remove the object of suffering. More often, however, God allowed the suffering to continue to grow the believer’s trust and faith in Him (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

In his letters to the new churches, the Apostle Paul often spoke of the need to trust and believe God, regardless of their current suffering.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Rom. 8:28, NLT)

All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Cor. 4:15-17, NLT)

Our worldview shapes our view of suffering

Our worldview—our beliefs, values, and behavior—also influences how we view suffering. Many of us believe that we are in control of the events and circumstances in our life. We go to great efforts to manage and manipulate those things, which we feel, are in our control. That, however, isn’t always true. Remember COVID 19?

The Preacher (King Solomon) makes this assessment of “control” in Ecclesiastes 9:11. Regardless of personal capacity or ability—speed, strength, wisdom, cleverness, or skill, “time and chance” happens to us all. Suffering nullifies both personal capacity and ability.

Believers operate from a different worldview. We operate from God’s “Kingdom” worldview. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom, though we “temporarily” reside on earth (Phil. 3:20). This view acknowledges the reality of sin and suffering but offers an “alternate” response to the suffering we face.

The kingdom view recognizes that:

- God always loves and cares for His children (Ps. 23).
- God sovereignly rules over the universe (Ps. 103:19).
- God is always with and for us (Gen. 28:15; Matt.28:20).

Holding this view, we are able to persevere and live confidently even amid suffering.

Conclusion

Suffering is a reality of living. We will be better equipped to deal with suffering when our theology is correct. It begins with: (1) the correct view of God, (2) placement of trust in the “right” Person (The Triune God), and (3) an “eternal” Kingdom worldview.

Next week we will look at suffering: its purpose and possibilities.

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: An Introduction

September 20, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

No suffering please

How do you feel about suffering? What are your beliefs about its cause and effect? Its purpose and possibilities. I, for one, am not volunteering for any unnecessary pain. However, if it hasn’t become evident at this point in our life, suffering is part of our journey as human beings.

Suffering was not part of God’s original divine plan. However, Satan’s introduction of sin in the Garden of Eden resulted in its creation (Gen. 3:16-19). As humans, we continually look for every possible way to avoid suffering. And if we can’t avoid it, we try to move through suffering as quickly as possible.

That’s why it is important for our spiritual growth and development to understand the what and why of suffering. This includes learning to best strengthen our resolve and focus when suffering occurs. Because “I guarantee you” that we all will suffer in the future. But the question is, what is your response to suffering? How well do you manage your pain?

What is suffering?

Suffering is the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. As we look around, we might conclude that we are living in a continual state of suffering.

Pain, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional is evident in our society by the number of individuals seeking relief through food, drugs, and alcohol. Distress is extreme anxiety and sorrow.

Anxiety disorder is the class of mental disorder in which anxiety is the predominant feature. This disorder, an illness characterized by constant and boundless worry that interferes with the daily life, is the most common psychiatric illness in the United States, affecting 40 million American adults.[1]

Hardship (deprivation) is caused by any number of reasons: acts of nature resulting in loss of life and property or man-made (political/social/economic agendas and policies). Hardship presents itself in the growth of the lower economic class, which is one-third of where Americans are today.

The lower economic class, also known as the working class, is the socio-economic group with the least income. They are often categorized as families whose income falls below poverty line. These are the people who live hand to mouth, or paycheck to paycheck. They barely earn enough to cover their expenses and a huge expense often sends them into debt.[2]

What do we learn from the definition of suffering? Suffering affects more than our physical well-being. Suffering is not just episodic. It occurs more frequently and “routinely” than we want to admit. We have, unfortunately, accepted it as “part of life”. And to some degree it is part of life BUT how we respond and manage it, makes the difference between successful living and thriving OR stressful living and surviving.

Pain management

When we experience pain that cannot be alleviated with medication, surgery, or rehabilitation, our physician will often prescribe pain management treatment. The intent is to teach us strategies which will help us maintain control or influence over our pain. This might include for example, breathing techniques or mindfulness-based therapies.

Key to successful pain management treatment is the realization that the pain will not be eliminated, however, we can exercise control over the degree the pain will hinder or disrupt our life.

For believers, our pain management for suffering lies with our knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Pet. 1: 3-4). Since we live in a fallen world, suffering will continue. However, armed with knowledge of God, we can live confidently, trusting in His goodness and His greatness (Ps. 27:1-3).

This is especially true during difficult times—times of suffering—when fear and doubt challenge our faith. When this happens, we can stand firmly on what we know about God and those things which He has revealed to us as His children (Rom. 8:17).

Knowing these things can not only help us better respond to the suffering happening in our life but also react appropriately to the disruptions in the world around us. How we respond to things revealed become the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.

Next week, we will continue to discuss and develop our theology on suffering.

[1] Pew Research Center

[2] Ibid

Our Faith Walk

When life turns left

September 6, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Bad news

The morning headlines reads: “Man Loses Everything in Bizarre Disasters.”

Breaking News at 5 shares this update: “Doctors were seen leaving the victim’s home. It is believed that now, even his health is beginning to deteriorate due to the shock of these tragic turn of events. However, bad as things might be, he is currently being supported by his church and close friends. While our victim was unavailable for comment, his wife was said to be angry and unsupportive. Some even heard her tell her husband, “You ought to curse God for all that is happening to us.”

Well, as you can tell the “he” in this news event was Job. He was described in Scripture as “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” (Job 1:1) Job was a tribal chieftain, like Abraham who suddenly incurred total disaster—his wealth lost, children dead, and his health ruined.

Suffering in Faith

The book of Job analyzes the question how a righteous person like Job can encounter such enormous troubles. Of course, as we read Job, we better understand why Job’s situation came to be (Job 1:6-12). More importantly, by the end of the book, we understand that, like Job, we cannot always understand why we suffer but we must endure our sufferings in faith.

What does it mean to “endure suffering in faith”? In faith believes that despite our circumstance, we know that God is with us (Is. 43:1-2). In faith we remain steadfast, even during tragedy (1 Pet. 4:1; 1 Cor. 15:58). In faith our trust is anchored to Almighty God who is in control of all that is happening to us (Hab. 3:17-19).

One thing we must always remember (and never forget): We live in a fallen world. It is a place where everything is not always perfect nor is it always fair. Life happens! Sickness, disease, misfortune, and other “stuff”. That’s reality. But only ONE reality.

Reality when life turns left

If we lose everything we own, will we still love God? Suppose we lose our only child, our family home, and our health. Will we still serve God? If everyone turns their back on us, will we still obey God? When God is silent, can we still trust Him? Such are the questions we ask ourselves when life turns left. What, why, how?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we live in a reality based on “who we are” and “Whose we are”. First and foremost, we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Secondarily, we are in Christ (Ep. 1:3-14). In Christ, we have the security of God’s presence, His power, His provision, and His protection. Bad things may happen in our life (remember we live in a fallen world) but in Christ we are able to overcome the world.

This month we will spend some time on the theology of suffering. Why? Because these times of uncertainty will often lead to suffering and pain. We need to believe that regardless of our circumstance, we can live victoriously even during our suffering (2 Cor. 4:17).

To begin our journey, we invite you to read “The Clue to Life’s Maze,” F.B. Meyer’s perspective on Job and life lived in the context of a fallen world.