Suffering Quote by Tremper Longman III
![“that sin is not the only possible cause of suffering has two practical implications. First, it “shatters the myth that our own righteousness can protect us from unjust suffering.”[109] In other words, we cannot control the situations that might lead to our pain. Second, we cannot judge others…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d7/tremper-longman-iii-24719_suffering_that-sin-is-not-the-only-possible-cause_1584345.jpg)
““that sin is not the only possible cause of suffering has two practical implications. First, it “shatters the myth that our own righteousness can protect us from unjust suffering.”[109] In other words, we cannot control the situations that might lead to our pain. Second, we cannot judge others based on the fact that they are suffering.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, 1940 (cited)??
Suffering isn’t always caused by sin; it shows that righteousness can’t shield us, and we shouldn’t judge sufferers.
In simple terms: Suffering isn’t always punishment; don’t judge others.
Key Takeaway
Accept suffering without blaming.
Themes
theology
ethics
compassion
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- faith communities
- social work
Key Concepts
sin
suffering
judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we link suffering to moral failure?
- How can we support those suffering without judgment?
A Different Perspective
Suffering can also be random, not moral.
![“The presence of [precious] materials in the wilderness can be explained only as a result of the so-called plundering of the Egyptians (Ex. 12:33-35). In this way God provided the materials for his own house.” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1c/tremper-longman-iii-24719_nature_the-presence-of-precious-materials-in-th_629368.jpg)
![“Thus one of the important contributions of the book of Job (as well as Ecclesiastes)[108] is to undermine the idea that retribution theology works absolutely and mechanically. Sometimes sin does lead to negative consequences, but not always. Similarly, sometimes proper behavior leads to positive…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5e/tremper-longman-iii-24719_books_thus-one-of-the-important-contributions_1279322.jpg)
![“Job is a wisdom book. But not all wisdom books are alike.[42] Proverbs contains instructional literature (discourses and proverbs) that encourage wise behavior by connecting (but not guaranteeing) rewards with such behavior. Ecclesiastes contains the autobiography of a man who has sought for…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b1e/tremper-longman-iii-24719_book_job-is-a-wisdom-book-but-not-all-wisdom_1395070.jpg)
