Today, in our devotion, we want to explore a profound theme: theodicy, the question of God’s justice in the face of evil. This question accompanies us through the centuries, and the Apostle Paul touches on it in Romans 3:1–4. Theodicy is not just a theological question but a key aspect in the Great Controversy between Good and Evil.

In Romans 3:4, Paul quotes Psalm 51:6 and discusses how God Himself is “justified in His words and prevails when judged.” Here, the concept of theodicy, grappling with God’s justice despite the existence of evil in the world, is introduced. The Great Controversy, unfolding before humans, angels, and the entire universe, reveals God’s goodness despite the challenges that evil brings.

Amid suffering and sin in this world, it is often challenging for us to understand why God allows what happens. However, the words from the Great Controversy, as portrayed in “Good News” (GN), show that God’s goodness, wisdom, and justice will ultimately be revealed. Every question about truth and error will be clarified. Satan’s works will condemn him, and God’s actions in the Great Controversy will be revealed as wise, just, and good.

Read Revelation 15:3: Why is it important to praise God even in the midst of challenges?

Despite the difficulties and incomprehensibilities of life, it is crucial to praise God. Worshiping and praising God amidst evil is an act of faith and dedication. Even though we may not fully grasp the depth of theodicy, we can trust that God’s ways are just and true. Praising God shows our faith that He will ultimately triumph.

Let us pray together and praise God, even when we are in the midst of challenges. May our praise be an expression of our trust in God’s goodness and justice.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-praising-god-amidst-evil-theodicy/

The thoughts on “Greater Love” emphasize the ongoing need in the world and the responsibility of each individual to assist others in their distress. The reference to John 15:13, where Jesus says there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends, serves as a guiding principle for Christian service.

The narrative of a missionary family engaging with their Hindu neighbors, following Jesus’ example, illustrates the importance of actively approaching others and making their lives a blessing. The call to make a friend by being a blessing emphasizes the need to look beyond one’s own horizons and consciously open up to the needs of others.

The challenge of turning a stranger into a friend is portrayed as not easy but rewarding. The call to prayer and seeking God’s help underscores the dependence on divine guidance and wisdom in this task. The emphasis is on building friendships and not just providing assistance but also leading the needy to God as the true Helper.

The concluding challenges encourage actively learning about other cultures and religions, specifically looking for individuals in one’s own environment to pray for and support. The questions at the end provide practical guidance to consciously think about how to implement Jesus’ example of serving as a friend in one’s own life practice.

Overall, the text urges going beyond one’s comfort zone, offering friendship and assistance, and actively seeking ways to lead people to Jesus. It is an encouragement to put “greater love” into action and thus concretely live out Jesus’ command to love one another.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-5-greater-love/

In Job 6:4–8 and 9:1–12, we discern Job’s struggle with this agonizing question. He does not question the existence of God but rather the reason for his own suffering. This question becomes particularly complex when considering that Job believes in a loving God. In contrast, an atheist in a godless world might perceive suffering as senseless, a consequence of harsh and cold natural forces without a higher purpose.

Job, however, is confronted with a profound dilemma. Job 10:8–12 reflects his agonizing thoughts. He poses the painful question that many of us have asked: Why do people suffer if there is a good and loving God? Why do even those considered “good,” like Job, experience seemingly senseless suffering and trials?

The dilemma lies in the fact that Job and we, as believers, don’t have the option to dismiss suffering as a random consequence of a godless universe. Our conviction in a loving God who created everything puts us in an inner conflict. Wrestling with this question is one of the existential challenges of our faith.

Read Job 38:1–3: How did God respond to Job’s questions and doubts?

God answers Job from the storm and poses questions that challenge Job’s human understanding. This encounter reveals that there are often things beyond our comprehension. Even though we don’t have a complete answer to why there is suffering, we can trust that God is greater than our questions and that His love and wisdom can shine amid the dilemma.

Let us pray together in this assurance and ask God for wisdom as we grapple with the questions of suffering and faith in a loving God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-between-suffering-and-faith-in-a-loving-god-the-dilemma/

The reflections on assisting the injured impressively contemplate the universal reality of human suffering and emphasize the necessity of addressing the needs of others, regardless of their material status. The comparison between wealth and poverty as irrelevant factors in human suffering underscores the fact that all people are injured, suffering, and struggling in different ways.

The quoted Bible passage from Luke 4:18, where Jesus declares his mission, serves as a focal point for the call to help the needy in our surroundings. The focus is on proclaiming the gospel to the poor, bringing freedom to the captives, enabling the blind to see, and releasing the broken into freedom. This reminds us that assistance to the needy should be not only material but also spiritual and emotional.

The challenge of meeting the needs of all people, even without the certainty that they will accept Jesus, underscores the universal love and mercy to which Christians are called. It emphasizes the motivation to help the needy, not only as a means of evangelization but as a direct response to the love and call of Jesus.

The example of Jesus as a fundamental principle for action emphasizes the need to take the needs of all people seriously, regardless of their faith beliefs. The thought that we do not know whether everyone we help has accepted Jesus highlights the selflessness and unconditional love in Christian service.

The emphasis on being aware of the needs of others and offering compassionate support, regardless of cultural differences, underscores the importance of empathetic assistance. The consideration of Matthew 25:34–40 illustrates the message that Christ himself is present in the needy and will recognize our actions.

Overall, the text calls for taking the needs of the injured seriously, showing selfless love, and offering compassionate support, irrespective of religious differences. It is a powerful reminder that true assistance goes far beyond material goods and should encounter people in their entirety.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-4-to-help-the-hurting/

Today, in our devotion, we turn to one of the earliest books in the Bible, the book of Job. A book that directly addresses the universal theme of human suffering and evil. In a world grappling with questions of God’s existence in the face of pain and suffering, we find in Job an encouraging perspective.

The question of suffering and evil has always occupied believers and unbelievers alike. How can an all-good, all-powerful, and all-loving God exist when evil exists in the world? This stumbling block remains a challenge for many. Yet, early in the Holy Scriptures, in the beginnings of the book of Job, God provides insight into this theme.

It is fascinating to learn that, according to Jewish tradition and the teachings of Ellen White, Moses wrote the book of Job in the solitude of the Midianite desert. During this time of preparation, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he not only wrote the first book of Genesis but also the book of Job. God knew the questions that suffering would raise and thus presented us from the beginning with a story that addresses the pain and suffering of humanity.

The Bible teaches us in Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; Daniel 12:1; and Matthew 24:7 that evil is a reality in our world. Scripture not only tells us that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving but also that evil exists. However, evil is not an excuse not to believe in God. Job himself, despite all his suffering, did not question the existence of God but sought the why.

We all have questions about the evil we see in the world. But how can we still trust in God’s goodness? The story of Job teaches us that amidst suffering and questions, we can trust that God is there, that He knows our pains, and that in the end, all will be made well.

Let us pray together in this understanding and thank God for the wisdom given to us in His Word.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-trust-amidst-evil-the-earliest-of-books/