God's Purposes in Suffering; Part 1

We are to “to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (v4). Yet, it is impossible to minister real God-sent comfort apart from biblical truth.

The reason why so many Christians miss experiencing comfort in suffering and affliction is because they have not embraced the biblical reality of who God is or they've not understood what His purposes in suffering and affliction are.

 We will not have real peace apart from biblical truth.

 We will not have real freedom apart from biblical truth (…the truth will make you free” Jn. 8:32).

 We will not have real hope apart from biblical truth (the Scriptures were written that we might have hope; Ro. 15:4).

 We will not have real comfort apart from biblical truth.

"The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Ps 145:18

We miss God's purpose in suffering and affliction in two ways: 1) When we speak inaccurately; or, 2) When we speak incompletely, about God and/or our circumstances.

The noetic effect of sin undermines our minds in such a way that we need something more than mere intellect and rationale. Logical arguments alone do not touch a person's humanity (Christian screenwriter Brian Godawa).

There is an appeal for truth that is made, that transcends rationality alone. God has given us more than just ears, mouths and minds (reason). He has also blessed us with eyes, hearts and hands, so that when life events make no rational sense, still we can see the visually transcendent beauty of God in the midst of our suffering (aesthetic).