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We live in a world that has been greatly marred by sin. Since the fall of men, the ecology of the world has been greatly damaged with serious consequences. Nature is no longer in good terms with mankind. (Ro 8:20-22)
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Evil does not originate from God who does not tempt anyone or cause people to sin and die. Does God use suffering to judge people? The Bible says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God…” (1Pe 4:17). This is to say that judgment begins with the children of God, but an earthquake is a natural phenomenon that causes deaths among Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and atheists alike. These are terrible tragedies, but they are not God’s judgment.
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It hurts God’s heart to see people suffer and die. Our Lord does not willingly bring affliction or grief to men and He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone (La 3:33; 18:32).
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The reality of this world is that we will all die, either by natural or other causes. However, death is not the end of our lives. Sin may bring death into the world, but we can receive eternal life by repentance and accepting Christ as our Saviour. With this understanding, we realize that instead of asking ‘why’, we should ask ‘what’ we should do to help those who are in the midst of great suffering. How can we care for them and lead them to accept the one true God?