Justice and Mercy in Affliction

Not All Affliction is Caused by Sin

In my previous blog, I explained the relationship between sin and sickness and its affects on our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Although these are two monumental ways Satan attempts to destroy us, God’s plan blesses us with forgiveness and healing to overcome the enemy of our soul and obtain the victory. However, not all affliction/trials are caused by sin. For the sake of clarity, the word affliction is a very broad term used in this blog to refer to sickness, disease, maladies, problems, persecutions and trials of many kinds.

The Hebrew people fully understood the relationship between sin and sickness, for it was written in their law. (Exodus 15:26) In the Gospel of John, there is a story about Jesus healing a man born blind.

“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3 ESV)

Sometimes God allows affliction for the purpose of Divine healing to display the power of His might and sovereignty. And other times God shows his love and mercy through people who are suffering. I have a friend who has been sick since childhood. It is not important to figure out how or why she was afflicted. What is truly amazing and of great importance is that in spite of her suffering, she is a picture of peace, joy and the love of God. In fact, in her last hospital stay, a nurse asked how she could have such a wonderful attitude despite what was written in her medical chart. Her joyful response was “Let me tell you about my Jesus!”

Affliction, also comes to some in the form of persecution because of their stand for Jesus and refusal to compromise to the world’s standards. In Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount,(found in the Gospel of Matthew), He gave eight blessings in what is known as the Beatitudes. The last blessing was about being persecuted for righteousness sake.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 ESV)

In the book of Revelations there are seven letters to different churches. Each church represents a type of church or a type of Christian. After all, we are the church! The letter to each one holds a combination of commendations and/or commands. One church was referred to as the persecuted church. They presumed themselves to be poor and weak, but Jesus said they were rich. They were given no command, only a commendation and a promise of an invaluable reward. Spiritual blessings far outweigh worldly riches and power.

There are times that affliction is permitted by the Lord to show His strength in our weakness, and His riches in our spiritual poverty. Sometimes the Lord will heal an afflicted believer when He brings them home to heaven. One day we will all die of something, this is the first death, but those who overcome are promised eternal life, escaping the second death. (But that’s for another blog.)

God loves His creation so much that He desires none to be lost. (1 Timothy 2:4) Yet, in His sovereignty, He decides what is best for each person. He may choose to use you for Kingdom purposes through affliction, He may heal you on this side of heaven, or he may take you home where there are no more tears, pain and suffering. So take heart, you can trust Jesus to help you get through all your trials. God is Faithful!

“No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians  10:13 NET)

The Balance of Truth and Love or Justice and Mercy

Sometimes the truths found in God’s word are not easy to hear or understand. They are perceived as legalistic and judgmental, especially by someone who is grieving and struggling from affliction. A friend of mine commented, “It’s easy to talk about truth when you haven’t walked a profound physical suffering; but when you walk through that suffering, you need grace, love and God’s comfort.” (Debbie Milam)

Shortly after writing the “Temple” blog, some of my dear friends and a close loved one were hit hard with diagnoses of serious illness. It was heartbreaking to hear that news. I pray fervently for each of them, trusting God to get them through it and heal them. However, I suddenly feared that the timing of that blog would most likely sting when they read it. That was never my intention! Not all messages are for everyone who reads them.

It was no coincidence that the devil put a lie before me to cause me to doubt whether I should post a message about an important truth regarding the relationship between sin and sickness. Although I recognized the lie, I was certain that none of my sick loved ones wanted to hear this message about sin and affliction, or even affliction for Kingdom purposes.

God’s Word is equally full of His love and grace that abounds within all who accept it and believe. Truth and Love, also known as God’s justice and mercy, combine to conform you into the image of Christ. In Christian theology, many call Christ’s teachings about obedience and repentance from sin Truth, contrasting it with messages of mercy, love and the grace of God. Technically, all of God’s Word is Truth and God is Love! One cannot exist without the other. It was God’s love through Jesus that reconciled us back to the Father, and we show our love through obedience to His Word. These truths cannot stand without God’s justice. There would be no reason to repent and Jesus would have died for nothing. What would be the need for a savior, and what would be the purpose of all the trials and heartaches people endure? Although it is the crushing weight of our sin that God uses to call us to Himself, His love and mercy offer forgiveness and healing.

Having said that, I hope my message has not caused any of you to feel judged by me. It is my desire to communicate the love of God with a balance of truth so you may be conformed into the image of Christ. Actually, my words will not really make any difference in your life. Father God draws people to Jesus through the power of His Word. That is why I include as much scripture as I can to back up what I say.

Click on the scripture bar to read God’s Word and let it minister to you.

Regardless of what may be the reason for your problems or afflictions, it bears little weight in light of God’s great mercy and grace. That doesn’t matter to Jesus; he wants people to accept His free gift of amazing grace.

Beloved one, God loves you and desires for you to be healed, mind, body and spirit. He allowed His only begotten son, Jesus, to die for you. His body was broken so yours can be whole. Jesus wants to carry your brokenness and burdens. There is power and healing, strength and joy found in God’s Word to soothe your soul and encourage you in all your trials. Just trust God and wait on Him. He is in control and He loves you! Come to Jesus and He will lift you up. May the power of the Word of God speak to your heart and give you peace.

I hope you are encouraged by God’s Word, especially if you are struggling with affliction. I would love to pray for you and with you, if you so desire. Leave me a message on my contact page and I will personally respond. Thank you again for reading my blog. For more information about God’s grace and love during profound suffering, check out my friend Debbie Milam’s book “Overtaken by Grace”. Click here.