Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Does not Willingly Send

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In the tapestry of biblical theology, the theme of afflictions and adversities is woven with threads of divine purpose, human experience, and spiritual growth. The Scriptures provide a nuanced understanding of suffering, emphasizing that while God permits afflictions, He does not willingly send them without purpose or compassion.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Suffering

The Bible acknowledges the reality of suffering in a fallen world. Afflictions and adversities are part of the human condition, yet they are not outside the sovereign will of God. In Lamentations 3:32-33, the prophet Jeremiah writes, "Though He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." This passage highlights that God's allowance of suffering is not capricious but is tempered by His compassion and lovingkindness.

Purpose in Affliction

Scripture reveals that God uses afflictions to accomplish His purposes. In Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Afflictions can serve as a means of refining faith, developing perseverance, and drawing individuals closer to God. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

God's Compassionate Nature

The Bible consistently portrays God as compassionate and merciful, even in the midst of human suffering. Psalm 103:13-14 states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust." God's compassion is evident in His desire to comfort and restore those who are afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 declares, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones."

The Role of Christ in Suffering

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of suffering with purpose. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Christ's suffering and sacrifice on the cross provide redemption and hope, demonstrating that God can bring about the greatest good through the greatest suffering.

Encouragement for Believers

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when faced with afflictions. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 offers hope, stating, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This eternal perspective helps believers endure present trials with the assurance of future glory.

In summary, while God does not willingly send afflictions, He permits them for His divine purposes, always with compassion and the ultimate good of His people in mind.

Nave's Topical Index

Lamentations 3:33
For he does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
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Library

The Bereavements of the Christian Home. [A]
... murmuring, but meekly submit to the providential afflictions of our ... We should remember
that all the adversities of life ... He does not demand it without a cause. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxvi the bereavements of.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... as possess the world concerning dangers, injuries, and adversities. ... Their afflictions
so sorely oppress them that they ... to know that he does not suffer alone ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... by prevailing with the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities
that it ... There is heaven itself, the imperial heaven; does any body know ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Christian Behavior
... is again that they have run through so many trials, afflictions, and adversities,
even because ... hand; and there is no knowledge where there is not the word ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

part ii
... You constantly notice that God does not tolerate the ... we must disdain money, must
not be allured ... connected with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm