Jimbo's Jots

My friend Eric posted this on his Facebook. I told him I was going to use it.

“I had a thought on my way to work this morning. There are so many people that ask this one question: why does God allow so much pain and suffering in the world? Well, God created us to have choices. We are not a bunch of robots that He controls. He asks us to do two things: love God and love others. The love God I think we all understand. But what about the love others? What does that look like? It’s putting other people’s needs before our own, giving to the poor, taking care of the sick, feeding the hungry, etc. So I have a question for you, who exactly is allowing pain and suffering in the world?”

In the words of that famous theologian, Gomer Pyle from The Andy Griffith Show, “It makes you think!” Let’s talk about relationships for a moment. I sit in counseling sessions with individuals or couples and we talk about what’s going on in their lives. In most cases, there is a breakdown in the relationship. As I reflect on what I have heard in these sessions, the struggles happen when one person in the relationship, whether spouse, sibling, child, or parent, is focusing on their own needs over another.

Then, I read Eric’s post this morning. I’m now wondering what relationship would now look like if we took to heart the second greatest commandment Jesus gives, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So, asking the same questions Eric directs us to, “What about the love others? What does that look like? What would it look like if I put others needs before my own?” What does a husband who will put his spouse and children’s needs before his own looks like? What about the individual who puts others first as they reach out to someone in need before their own desires.

Maybe just maybe, the world will see less suffering. Maybe we will be able to bear with the pain of this world we experience because we know others are stepping in to help take care of us.

And let me add, if you are experiencing the pain and suffering of this world, you don’t have to face it alone. There are those who have been made by God to be the helpers.

Be blessed in your world as you love others! Be a blessing in your world as you love others!