The Role of Human Suffering in Christian Life: A Theological Reflection on Biblical Teaching
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol4iss3pp1-23Keywords:
Human suffering, realities of suffering, Christian life, theological reflectionAbstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of human suffering in Christian life: a theological reflection on biblical teaching. The researcher used secondary data collection that is theological books, articles, and the Bible. The research was carried out in the library of Africa International University. The study adopted the Biblical perspective and Theological reflection of human suffering. The main methodology was a pastoral circle of sharing the experience of different people going through suffering while providing social analysis, theological reflection, and pastoral action. Suffering in the Old Testament was linked to the disobedience of the first human beings who were Adam and Eve. This proved that Christians suffer due to their sins and disobedience to God. In some cases, however, suffering is neither a punishment from God nor due to disobedience but is sometimes experienced so that God’s name may continue to be glorified. The study concluded that suffering is a core part of a Christian’s life and it always has a purpose. God uses suffering to manifest Himself to His people, teach His people a lesson, and glorify His name among nations. Suffering happens to connect Christians with God. Prayer helps Christians to experience suffering with courage and hope. The role of suffering in a Christian’s life was to reveal God’s presence, power and glory. The study recommended the Church focus more on teaching Christians about suffering so that they should understand the meaning of suffering with perseverance in their Christian walk. The thesis recommended future studies to focus on the role of the church in Christian suffering. This would help to unravel how the Church responds to the suffering of its followers and how it helps in building its followers’ faith and development through challenges and suffering. This will help to place the Church in a good position to be partaker of its followers’ suffering thus building a strong and permanent relationship with its members.
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