THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SUFFERING

Suffering is one of the strongest marks of the human condition. Wars, hunger, disease, natural disasters and the world system itself impose on humanity a perpetual process of pain and anguish. It was not to be so, but the Fall, that is, the estrangement of the man from its Creator (Gen. 3), provoked this chaotic situation. In spite of this reality, a certain triumphalist and alienating "gospel" has been installed in certain Christian circles, which affirms that the followers of Christ are immune to such suffering.

Many preachers of this vision, invoking the famous Pauline phrase "I can do everything through him who strengthens me", give the impression that believers do not lose jobs, do no harm to their businesses, do not get sick, do not have internal conflicts. As such a preaching has not support on the gospel of Christ, when tribulations come, many are disappointed and abandon the faith. It is necessary to observe the context of Paul's phrase. Look what he said: “I know what is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” (Philippians4.12-19).

It is natural to desire a life blessed with peace and harmony. However, Jesus himself warned: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). In general, suffering comes to the Christian from four sources: the life of testimony, sin, wrong decisions, and the simple fact that we are in the world. Every Christian who chooses to live as "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" will suffer. But Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5.11). The interesting thing is that this verb "suffer" means both "suffer" and "endure" sufferings.

The mere fact that the Christian is in a fallen world makes him the target of suffering. Around AD 55 or AD 56 there was a great famine throughout the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius. Allied to this, the great persecution to which the Christians of Jerusalem became subject have led them to impoverishment. Paul then raised an offering in the churches of Galatia, Macedonia and Corinth to help them. So, the Apostle wrote about the Macedonian churches saying that even in the midst of the most severe tribulation, their great joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in rich generosity.

It is not a question of defending a negative or pessimistic view of life, but of presenting reality to the development of a mature faith. The preaching that affirms that by accepting Christ everything will improve, material prosperity will come, and life will be a sea of ​​roses is the fruit of a hedonistic mentality that has invaded many churches. This does not mean that being a Christian is living in suffering, but that it can appear. But when he arises, Paul points: "my God will meet all your needs according to riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

Antônio Maia – M.Div.

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