Why All the Suffering?

Many heart-wrenching stories about human suffering have been reported over and over around the world. 

"Some people blame God, reasoning that our Creator does not care about the human family. Others conclude that God sees our suffering but simply chooses not to intervene. Still others say that such tragedies are predestined. There seems to be no end to opinions on the subject. Where can we find reliable and satisfying answers? ...In God's Word, the Bible, we can find answers on what causes suffering and how it will be brought to an end." 

Please follow this link to read the article or listen to an audio recording.

Why All the Suffering?

What is Provoking the Age of Rage?

No doubt, many of us don't feel comfortable being around with people who are always angry, or those who cannot control their rage. Perhaps, we keep asking, Why are these people so angry? Sometimes, we don't see any reason why they are that angry or wrathful.

The following link will help us understand. It also mentions some guiding principles that help us manage anger and avoid rage. This article is highly beneficial for all of us. Please follow the link.

What is Provoking the Age of Rage?

Comfort for Those Who Suffer

Countless people throughout the world are forced to face up to the reality of suffering. Many times, it is the innocent who suffer. Throughout history, there have been no limit to mankind's suffering in all its forms. It is little wonder that many ask, "Why does God allow such suffering?

Even for those with religious convictions, suffering is never easy to deal with. You too may wonder what reason a loving, all-powerful God could possibly have for permitting human suffering. Finding a satisfying and truthful answer to this puzzling question is vital for our peace of mind and our relationship with God. The Bible provides such an answer. Please consider what it has to say as presented here: Comfort for Those Who Suffer

What Makes Life Meaningful

To find real meaning in life, it helps to examine some sound principles found in God's Word, the Bible. After all, our Creator and the Author of the Bible, created us to live a happy and meaningful life. And so he provided his Written Word to show that he cares for us and desires to guide us to a life that he has meant for us.

The following are some of these guiding principles.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

"With a man there is nothing better than that he should eat and indeed drink and cause his soul to see good because of his hard work. This too I have seen, even I, that this is from the hand of the true God."

God created us to find satisfaction in wholesome work. Even in unfavorable circumstances, we can still find joy in life from working honestly and diligently.

 Acts 20:35

‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving."


If we keep doing things for others, like giving of our time and energy to assist them in times of difficulty, we can add real meaning to our lives and reap unexpected rewards.

Here's another Scripture related to this principle:

Proverbs 3:27

"Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it."

Wholeheartedly following these words  brings us rich blessings.

Proverbs 17:17

"A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress."

We all need true friends to make life more bearable, especially in times of troubles. They are there to cushion the blow for us. Having true friends and being a good friend can be beautiful and satisfying.

Matthew 5:3

“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them."

We humans have the innate need to understand the meaning and purpose of life. It is vital therefore to recognize and fill our spiritual need if we want to enjoy the fulfillment of God's promises. We can fill that need by making time to study the Bible, from which we can understand such Scriptural truths as to God's purpose for the earth, why we are here, why there is so much suffering and what God expects of us. Learning about these and applying them in our lives can make us happy because we are building a trusting relationship with our Creator, "the happy God." 

Ecclesiastes 12:1

"Remember your Creator... before the time of trouble comes and the years draw near when you will say, 'I see no purpose in them.'"

Making our Creator the focus of our life will give our life real purpose.  At Ecclesiastes 8:12, the wise King Solomon said that if we "fear the true God", and put him first in our life, things "will turn out well" for us.

Millions worldwide have found these principles truly beneficial and highly rewarding. No matter what their circumstances in life may be, they are enjoying a truly satisfying and meaningful life.

Guidelines to Help an Ailing Friend

Sometimes we find ourselves at a loss for words when talking to a friend who is seriously ill. We may fear that we utter the wrong words that might hurt him/her. So we just tend to watch the patient lying on the bed in an uncomfortable silence. How can we meet this challenge?

Here are a few Scriptural principles that can inspire us.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

"Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking." -James 1:19

"There is...a time to keep quiet and a time to speak." -Ecclesiastes 3:1,7

BE EMPATHETIC AND CONSIDERATE

"Rejoice with people who rejoice; weep with people who weep." -Romans 12:15

"All things...that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them." -Matthew 7:12

BE UPBUILDING

"The tongue of the wise ones is a healing." -Proverbs 12:18

"Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt." - Colossians 4:6

BE HELPFUL

"Let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth." -1 John 3:18

REMAIN CONNECTED

"A true companion is loving all the time. and a brother that is born for  when there is distress." -Proverbs 17:17

Meditatively considering the above Scriptures can help us think of ways to make practical applications that can surely benefit both our sick friends and us.

(Based on Watchtower magazine, July 1, 2010, pp.10-13)