Like it or not, everyone experiences pain. In the midst of suffering, people often want both sympathy and answers. What they often receive, however, is either a heartless intellectual explanation or a brainless yet sympathetic response to suffering.

All belief systems must address suffering because everyone experiences it. Ravi Zacharias asserts, “Every world-view—not just Christianity—must explain evil and suffering" (86). Most conclude that pain is either God’s fault or the fault of the individual. For example, Atheists believe that pain disproves the existence of God because if God is good and in control there would be no suffering. Many Eastern Religions conclude that pain is either an illusion or payback for bad deeds done in a previous life. Christianity, however, offers the most satisfying solution for suffering both intellectually and emotionally. According to Zacharias, “(Christianity) accepts the reality of evil and suffering, explains both the cause and the purpose, and offers God-given strength to survive it” (98).

One response Scripture provides is that human beings are responsible for the state of things. Zacharias affirms, “The problem of evil has ultimately one source: our rebellion against God’s holiness” (103). God created man in His image and in right relationship with Him, but man chose to go about things on his own and disobeyed God. As a result, sin entered into the world and disrupted God’s perfect creation.

God’s Word also teaches that pain is a part of a believer’s growth in godliness. It first reminds a person of his/her need for God. Zacharias says, “Pain often forces us to find God. Pleasure frequently causes us to ignore Him” (103). Second, pain produces endurance (Romans 5:3). Enduring difficulty gives a Christian strength to preserver. Finally, suffering gives us a longing for God’s world to be restored (Philippians 1:23). Fortunately, for God’s people, this life is as bad as it gets. When difficulties come, believers should simply be reminded of and long for the salvation that awaits every follower of Christ.

Lastly, the Bible teaches that although God is not the author of sin, He accomplishes His purposes in and through an evil world. Paul asserts, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This is clearly shown at the cross. According to Zacharias, “The death of Jesus on the cross shows the reality of evil—and God’s solution for it” (101). Although Jesus’ death was seemingly tragic, He acted on our behalf dieing as our substitute and perfect sacrifice so that we might be made right with God through Him.

Zacharias, Ravi. Jesus Among Other God's. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2000. 86-103.