This is part three answering the question, “What Kinds of Suffering do We Suffer in What God Allows?” It is a part of the project answering the question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?”

The fifth category is spiritual suffering.  This results from the unseen spiritual conflict of angelic warfare and the turmoil of sin itself. People suffer spiritually as a result of trying to proclaim the name of Jesus, which is seen in the persecuted church.² The early church endured incredible persecution (1 Pet. 4:12-17), as does today’s church is suffering persecution in many countries around the world. Continue reading →

This is the second part answering the question, “What Kinds of Suffering do We Suffer in What God Allows?” (See the first part posted on Jan. 16, 2014) It is a part of a series of questions following the overall question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Portions of each week will address answering that overall question.

The third category is emotional suffering.  This can result from fear of the unknown, living in a relationship where a lack of trust was established, or even a physically induced condition like a woman’s monthly cycle.  Emotional suffering can build over mounting debt, failure to forgive, or resentment building over jealousy that a friend received credit for a job that you did. This is difficult to measure, like mental suffering, because it is not seen, except for the consequences.  Feelings can be used in a positive and negative way. Continue reading →

This is the first part in the question, “What Kinds of Suffering do We Suffer in What God Allows? It is a part of a series of questions following the overall question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Portions of each week will address answering that overall question.

Suffering might seem obvious. All people suffer to a certain degree. Different kinds of suffering might be apparent. And to look at this from man’s perspective might seem pretty man-centered and introspective.  Yet, there are several reasons why this question should be answered. Continue reading →