God's Story Is Our Story: From Acts to New CreationSample

Ancient Greeks saw suffering as a sign of the gods disapproval. Suffering was to be avoided. Weakness was to be remedied or hidden. Paul once again wants to challenge the pagan culture of Corinth.

Paul tells them that the equation that God is displeased with us if we are ever suffering is too simple of an equation. It's not to say that we never suffer because we have done something wrong or sinned against God. God is even said to discipline people. But, even the point of discipline is to wake us up, to help us learn, to draw us back. To Paul, God is the God of all comfort.

Nor is suffering a sign of weakness or something that should be avoided at all costs. Paul isn't encouraging masochism (deriving pleasure from our suffering). It is right to grieve suffering. But, he calls us to share in Christ's suffering. We are not seeking to suffer, but know that suffering will come if we are faithful to Christ and his purposes in the world.

God does not promise to shield us from suffering in this life, but he does promise to comfort us in our suffering. But, why does God allow us to suffer? Paul doesn't give all the answers to that question. But, he does tell us that one reason he allows us to suffer and then be comforted is so that we can be a comfort to others when they suffer. Rather than feeling awkward about not knowing what to say when people are suffering or avoiding people when they suffer, we seek ways to be a comfort to them as God has comforted us.