Pain: What is it good for?

***Posted by: jgilliland***

I feel that for my first entry I would like to address a question/topic in which the Bible seems to fall silent on. Now, let me first say that the answer to the question of how to deal with pain is not what I'm seeking in this entry (I feel the Bible is quite clear on how to go about dealing with pain). Instead, I'm searching for the answers to the question of "Why is there pain?" This question can be an interesting topic of discussion; however, those experiencing/going through some kind of pain at the moment (i.e., physical, emotional, spiritual, or pain caused by their past) might find themselves becoming frustrated and hurt when seeking God with the answers to this question.

*I must add here that many Atheists have used the problem with pain to regard a loving God as "non-existent." Of course, if one were to use this argument - that "If God existed, then He wouldn't allow pain to be inflicted upon His creation." - then I might argue that they're not necessarily Atheists. Instead, what they are really saying with this statement, is that they don't agree with our God's plan (i.e., His plan has faults). You see they are not giving valid explanations to why they believe God to be non-existent; but instead, they are simply disagreeing with the God of all cosmos. May we pray that our King, Jesus Christ, be revealed to them.*

Anyways, before I give my input into this topic of discussion, I would like to hear your thoughts. Tell me, why is there pain? Is pain necessary? In your explanations, I would like to see some applied thoughts to real, and present examples. For remember my brothers, if we cannot apply our theology to a post-modern world, then "our talks" are meaningless (and, let me not forget, of no help to the Kingdom). Lastly, my brothers, I pray blessings upon you from our Father in Heaven.

In Christ,
Jgilliland