Interpreting Suffering and Values and Considerations about Life

Case Study on Death & Dying
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Case Study on Death & Dying
Suffering has become part of the human experience after the ancient biblical revolt. The new form of suffering was forged with pain and perplexity and every individual lives with the consequences of Eden’s wreckage. From a Christian standpoint, evil and affliction plague us, stalk us and haunt us universally (Thomson, 2017). George’s suffering can be explained with reference to various Christian narratives. This paper also highlights several values and considerations about life and the moral options available to the individual in question.
George has reached a point where he has to decide whether to continue living or die. With regards to the “fallenness” of the world, Christian narratives that describe his suffering include:
* Multifaceted
Suffering comes in many faces. Christian narrative of suffering is different from the conventional idea that it is all in a single streak. Instead, the Bible points out that misery befalls human beings in many ways. In this case, George is experiencing his suffering through the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). According to Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” The verses explain how an individual may face suffering at one point in their lifetime (Schnitker et al., 2017). Among the types of suffering listed by Paul include, spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. George is experiencing one or more of the mentioned types.
* Community and Suffering
The Christian worldview points out that nobody experiences suffering without purpose or randomly. The main idea of suffering occurs while we wait for the return of Jesus Christ (Thomson, 2017). The world changed after the revolt. Evil and affliction can be found in many places. Therefore, the church is built of strong associations of community work and support of everyone’s wellbeing. In Galatians 6:2, Paul talks about types of thinking. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Essentially, those suffering should be able to seek refuge in church. For this reason, George should consider seeking refuge in the church as indicated through biblical teachings.
The hope of resurrection builds a strong ground for those who suffer. George’s suffering can be interpreted in ways such as:
* Ministry and Suffering
When someone experiences firsthand suffering, they acquire the essential reasons for ministry. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gave humanity hope. 2 Corinthians 1:4 indicates that “God comforts us in our entire affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” George can be comforted by family and members of the church. He can find the link between his suffering and hope of comfort. Many people who go through suffering and find comfort in God become of great help. For instance, if George goes through the experience with hope, he demonstrates purposeful design and sustainable hope. The Christian narrative indicates that those who are kept through suffering are reshaped into more of God’s image (Juma, 2015). It is considered a greater measure of hope of other people who are also in suffering. Following this, Georges suffering gives him the chance to learn clarity and tenderness, and helps him sanctify other people in their deep suffering,
* Battleground
The hope of resurrection is considered an outcome of a spiritual battle. George is in a situation where he is required to win the battle. For every suffering, there is always a battle for the soul. The Christian narrative views suffering in various forms. For instance, the book of Job gives ways in which an individual can respond to their suffering. On one hand, there are types of suffering that praise God during the process of suffering and one that curses God because of suffering. Therefore, George’s suffering can be said to be one that curses God because of the suffering but gives hope.
* Preparation for Glory
The Christian narrative affirms that the Bible has answers that people seek in their everyday life. Those who are suffering should be in a position to look for the specific scripture to heal their pain. George is experiencing various types of pain. People are prepared for more glory and hope with reference to the Christian narrative. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “ the light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen…but the things that are unseen are eternal.” These are words that are full of hope and comfort the George and other people who are suffering. Human beings naturally endeavor to avoid suffering. However, according to the Christian worldview, suffering is brought by God people’s lives for eternal glory and joy. The narrative regards human life as priceless, precious and profound (Bouchat et al., 2017). In a unique way, humans are inherently rendered vulnerable because t...