THE SOURCES OF SUFFERING

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) When suffering or troubles happen, do they always come from Satan? In Job's story, his series of tragedies did come from Satan, but this is not always the case. There are 4 main causes of suffering. Any one of these or a combination of them may create suffering. If knowing why we are suffering will teach us to avoid the cause, then the causes are worth knowing. However, it is most important to know how to respond during suffering.

1. The sources of suffering 

#1) Sources

@1. My sin.

a) Who is responsible

@1. 1 am.

b) Who is affected

@1. Myself and others.

c) Needed response

@1. Repentance and confession to God.
 
#2 Sources

@1. Others' sin.

a) Who is responsible

@1. Person who sinned and others who allowed the sin.

b) Who is affected

@1. Probably many people, including those who sinned.

c) Needed response

@1. Active resistance to the sinful behavior, while accepting the sinner.

#3) Sources

@1. Avoidable physical (or natural) disaster.

a) Who is responsible

@1. Persons who ignore the facts or refuse to take precautions.

b) Who is affected

@1. Most of those exposed to the cause.

c) Needed response

@1. Prevent them if possible, be prepared if they can't be prevented.

#4) Sources

@1. Unavoidable physical (or natural) disaster.

a) Who is responsible

@1. God, Satan.

b) Who is affected

@1. Most of those present.

c) Needed response

@1. Ongoing trust in God's faithfulness.

The End