9 posts tagged “suffering”

A recent study says that ninety-two percent of women who discover they are carrying a child with Down syndrome opt to abort the pregnancy.

As both a Christian and a caregiver for the elderly and those with disabilities, I'm struck with this Biblical view point- sin obstructs our decision making process.  In our fallen state, we often make choices, including medical choices, for the wrong reasons- often for motives that appeal to the flesh or mere human reasoning.  While patients should remain a crucial part of the decision making process regarding their medical treatment and doctors should have the freedom to discern the best care for his/her patient, both patients and doctors would be wise to remember that human reasoning does not always lead us to the right choices.

Bioethics is attempting to set standards for the conduct of medicine and healthcare in an age of new knowledge and changing science.  However, bioethicists are setting these standards from a fallen state of mind.  Truth is subjective to them, as are ethics, dependent on such things as a person’s worldview, religion, and philosophy.   “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”  (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25)  If this proverb has ever been relevant, it is so with bioethics.  

When we, as Christians, set standards for how we care for the sick and needy, we must remember that truth is not relative.  The truth- the Biblical truth- about who God is and who man is plays a critical role in regard to medical decisions that affect the lives of the weak and the needy. All of those we care for in the hospital bed, teach life skills to in the group home, or 'produce' in the laboratory are deserving of dignity and respect for the sole reason that "In the image of God, made He man."  (Genesis 9:6)  So, while scientists can manipulate genes and clone embryos, we can never engineer the image of God out of a human being.  This truth alone could set the tone for any medical ethic.

However, likewise, in our attempts to manipulate genes and clone embryos to eradicate diseases and eliminate disabilities, we can never create a person who will not inherit the struggle with sin.  As much as we are created in the image of God, we are also sons of Adam; therefore, there will never be a perfect person.  Our only hope remains, as it always has, in Christ and Him crucified.  In His work on the cross- the great exchange, the righteous for the unrighteous, the suffering for our sins so He could save us from them and bring us to God.   This is incredible mercy and incredible love.

Despite the uniqueness of each created person, in these two things- our common created image and our common depravity- man can be considered virtually identical to one another.  Our worth could not be contingent upon any work or ability.  To say that a person is too weak or does not contribute enough is laughable compared to the greatness and splendor and perfection that is in God!  All men fall short of that Glory.  We are all too weak and no one ‘contributes’ enough!  For all of us, our worth is dependent only on who we are through the work of Christ at the cross. 

With new life in Christ through the cross, we are given new nature and the told to renew our minds.  In both this new nature and in our renewed minds, we view suffering, ethics, and caring for the weak and the vulnerable differently.  We now consider those weaker than we are, and we realize that it is a sin to not show them the same grace and mercy we were given, even if one is so weak that he or she is not even cognitively aware of it.  

Suffering is horrible.  It is no light thing.  We are better off dead and at peace with our Maker than alive on this dead earth!  But in our renewed minds, we know, also, that we cannot take suffering into our own hands, as those in bioethics seem to do.  We can never consider breaking God’s commandment to not murder, for instance, through abortion and euthanasia because we deem someone to be suffering too much.  We cooperate with nature and conform to the way God created it.  For when we attempt to manipulate nature (think of the undignified 'Ashley Treatment') and destroy that which we judge undesirable- destroy whom we judge undesirable because of the sufferings they are given- we question God’s goodness and wisdom leaving us rebuked as Job was- “Where was man when God laid the foundation of the earth?”  

As we painfully watch those around us suffer, doing all we can to ease their suffering, we are to suffer with those suffering.  We are not to cooperate with the hopelessness that suffering brings by manipulating the death one suffering or who we assume will suffer after birth.  Instead we offer them and their loved ones the hope of Christ found in His Gospel, that those who call upon His name will be saved from their sin soaked hearts, from the wrath of God, and from hell.  And that those who call upon His name will be saved to new life in Christ, to a perfect and holy body in eternity, and the unimaginable joy of eternity in the presence of the Creator.

Because of the unity we have with Christ (because of the great love and mercy shown to us at the cross), we, in humility, count others more significant than ourselves.  We look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.  We have this mind among ourselves, which is ours in Christ Jesus Who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  (Philippians 2:1-8)

And so we humble ourselves to one another, using our freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), taking tender care of the weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14), seeking justice and encouraging the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17), and becoming disabled to the disabled (1 Corinthians 9:22) in order to share the Gospel to all people, in hopes that all people will be saved from, among other things, their fallen states of minds, having their minds aligned with Christ and His purposes for all things- including suffering and caring for those suffering.  

"Human suffering is a reminder of our need of the Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal life that comes through His atoning death and resurrection."  Gary Knapp from his pastoral statement on euthanasia from his site The Undershepherd. 

The statement (full post here):

A Pastoral Statement on Euthanasia and Imposing Death by Starvation and Dehydration

Believing that human life at all stages from conception until natural death and in every condition regardless of disability or cognitive ability bears the image of God, we, the undersigned offer our voice in support of life and in opposition to imposing death on the ill and disabled, in particular through starvation and dehydration.

Those of us who minister in Delaware have a special concern at the potential imposed death by starvation of one of our citizens, Lauren Richardson. We urge those who have influence over Lauren’s life, her guardian and the Delaware court system, to act on the basis of hope which comes from faith and reverence for human life, of which God is the author and finisher (Deuteronomy 32:39).

Acknowledging the tragedy and difficulty of human suffering we ask our fellow citizens to consider the following:

1. Euthanasia is an act of hopelessness. Human suffering humbles us as we see our inability to heal suffering despite our many medical advancements. But by imposing death on the ill and disabled, society is declaring that there is no purpose in suffering. This is contrary to the message of Scripture as seen in the lives of many people, most notably Job, and ultimately our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. God has told us clearly that He is the author and finisher of our existence. Fear of God should prevent us from ever seeking to end our own life or the life of another prematurely, especially by depriving them of the sustenance that is essential to human existence.

3. We express our concern that nutrition and hydration have been classified as medical treatment by many medical authorities and in the legal system. Food and water are now referred to in some legal documents as “life support”. This classification then becomes the basis for interpreting unguarded or uninformed comments from individuals about life support as an expressed declaration of their intent. The result is a deceptive vehicle by which many people are starved to death.

4. We urge our citizens to reject the claim that euthanasia is a private act. Even if one’s wishes to have his life ended prematurely were documented (Lauren Richardson left no such written documentation), society must give its approval to euthanize, which it has not done. Euthanasia advocates demand that society validate the so called private decision and make provision for the practice of imposing death. By depicting euthanasia as a purely private act, euthanasia advocates hide the reality that if Lauren is starved to death, we will all share in the decision to do this to her.

5. New Jersey recently ceased capital punishment calling death by injection “cruel and unusual punishment”. If imposing death by injection is cruel, how much more so death by starvation, which can be a two week process!

6. Faith leads to hope. We readily acknowledge that suffering is tragic and painful, both for the one suffering and for their loved ones. But because God is real and active, the end of our life is not certain until He makes it so. Often doctors using their best judgment declare that there is no hope; often they are wrong. Faith believes that God can heal, and that if He doesn’t, He is with us and has a purpose for our suffering.

7. Human suffering is ultimately a result of the fall by which our first parents Adam and Eve turned away from God and brought death (physical and spiritual) upon themselves and their offspring. Human suffering is a reminder of our need of the Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal life that comes through His atoning death and resurrection.

• We call our fellow citizens to acknowledge God’s prerogative in beginning and ending life.
• We encourage prayer to God in Jesus’ name on behalf of those who suffer.
• We call on the medical profession and government to turn from their irreverence for God demonstrated in the sinful act of starving and dehydrating the ill and disabled.
• We remind us all that because mankind bears God’s image our treatment of life is taken as our attitude toward God Himself (Genesis 9:6).
• Finally, we remind us that God sees our actions and will render to each one of us according to our deeds (Jeremiah 17:10

Today at church we had the opportunity to hear some testimonies from people who had experienced healing from God this week.  It was great to hear their stories of the power of God.

However, I was reminded, overwhelming so, of how much people with illnesses and disabilities are needed at my church.  Yes, in part to see the glory of God revealed when He chooses to heal some of them.  But also, to see the glory of God revealed when He chooses not to.

As the men and women told their stories of healing as quickly as possible with only so much time alloted them, focus and attention seemed to be only on the physical symptoms of their illness or emotional pain, with a quick declaration that God delivered them.  As if they were saying, on the external, God healed my body or delivered me from this sinful outward behavior.

I know there was much more to their healings than just the external, and, again they only had so much time to speak.  But what I need to see, as a member of my church, is what is happening with their hearts.  Where is their heart as God is healing them?  Where are they spiritually?  What is God doing in their sanctifying process of making them holy?  Is this physical healing a reflection of that transformation or is it something that God has given them for the sole reason of blessing them?  Will this physical healing press them into deeper relationship and trust with God?

In addition to those who have had physical healing in their lives, I also need to hear from people who still struggle with a physical or mental illness or a physical or mental disability, yet are being transformed into the likeness of God for the glory of God, in faith and trust that the grace of God is sufficient in their weakness.

Yes, God does heal people sometimes of physical disability, of the chemical imbalances of mental illness, etc., and for that we thank Him and praise Him!  But, He is not only concerned with the physical!  He looks upon the heart!  He may or may not choose to heal the leper, make the lame man walk, or give sight to the blind woman.  He does not promise physical healing.

But He does promise life and life abundantly, which is found in the graceful relationship with His one and only Son.  He promises new identity, freedom from sin, and transformed spirits. 

Savation is for everyone!

He goes even further and uses those He chooses not to heal for His glory in making the church better!  With the suffering around us, God gives us the gift of compassion and love- if we will take it.  With those who struggle with their physical bodies or mental disabilities who trust in the sufficiency of God's grace, we learn to rely on that same sufficiency in our own weaknesses or when our time for suffering comes.  And God gets all the glory!

Another thought on suffering.

"My grace is sufficient.  My power is made perfect in weakness."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It's so painful to watch my mother suffer.  She is constant physical pain.  Her mobility is limited, and she has lost some of her independence.  In addition, her husband of 34 years past away a year ago.  Her grief is great.  Sometimes I wonder why God continues to allow her to be beaten down again and again.

Not often, but sometimes, I also look at my own sufferings and wonder why and how much longer I have to struggle with all of the addictions and temptations and 'issues' in my life.

John, in this first video, makes this statement, "He determines what time we would be born, what age, what year, what geographical location, and works all things together in order for us to have a circumstance which we might cry out to Him."  I am not saying this is the answer to all suffering.  But it's an answer that makes sense to me.

This past year I have been living in the sufficiency of God's grace.  Before this year I didn't really understand what God meant by the idea of His grace being sufficient.  But I've learned that, for me, it's crying out to God in my weakest moments of addiction and temptation and, in turn, God walking with me through them.  He grants me power to get through each moment of struggle.  And in spending so much time with Him in vulnerable honesty, I'm beginning to know Him intimately, to recognize His voice, His Truth, His Character, and His presence.  So, maybe, that a reason He lets me suffer.

Maybe something like this is happening with my mother and God, too.  Either way, I have to learn to trust in the grace of God.

Because of Who God is.  I've argued for the right to life based on who we are and on that we are.  My arguments are based on a twisting of legal views and man-centered theological views.  However, taking away my man-centered view on such issues, I want God's view and God at the center.

Considering the life of a woman or a man or a child who is not cognitively aware of his/her surroundings or with limited awareness.  A person so dependent on others for the most basic of care- toileting, bathing, feeding, etc.  Save perhaps for a tiny fetus in the womb or a newborn baby, truly the most helpless and weakest of lives among us. 

Based on the character of God do such individuals have a right to life?  

Based on the character of God do I have a right to live?  No!  For the wages of my sin is death!  I have no right to life, eternal or otherwise.  God is good.  I am evil. 

However, because of God's unfailing love and gracious mercy, I live and am given through the work of Jesus on the cross eternal life.

Even so, even having been created in the image of God, because I am a daughter of Adam, I am so weak!  Apart from God I have no good thing.  I am dust.  Yet, God picks up my weak, rag doll of a body and walks me through this life every day!  Provididng my every need!

I get up at 7:16 every morning, and I cannot get out of bed.  I have no energy in the mornings.  I just want to sleep.  Yet, as I begin to make my choice of whether or not to rise, God enters in.  He gives me the grace every morning to choose to get up and go and do the work He's called me to do in this season of my life.  It's His strength- not mine.

All day at work, I find it more than difficult to keep a servant's heart for the woman I care for.  When she calls for me after she's been resting, for instance, I find it so difficult to pull myself away from the television show that has caught my attention or my reading material.  I want to serve this woman.  My spirit is willing.  But my flesh is weak!  I resent her intrusion on my pleasure with her needs, and in that moment, God, again, enters.  I know He's there.  I ask for forgiveness and ask for strength to walk into this woman's room and serve her in whatever way she needs- because I can't do it on my own. 

I am selfish, and I am weak!

Many, many times during the day I am faced with temptations to sin.  And I really, really struggle.  When I am tempted, GOD ENTERS IN, and He either provides a way out of the temptation or in His glorious mercy invites me to walk through this temptation with Him into His throne room of grace where He teaches me about Him and provides whatever need I am trying to meet myself in my tempted area of sin.  And if I do sin, He is quick to forgive and to admonish me for my sin, to teach me of its ugliness and His holiness.  Surely He disciplines the ones He loves!

And He loves me!  Oh, what a God Who would love someone like me.  His love for me only demonstrates how great He is.

How dare I then, in turn, look at someone weaker than I, physically or otherwise, and refuse to be merciful and loving and not care for him or her?  How dare I say that this person is too miserable and too weak, too sick, to unable?  How dare I not show this person the same mercy God shows me?

Many times in the Bible people have begged God for death.  Job for instance:

20 “Oh, why give light to those in misery,
      and life to those who are bitter?
 21 They long for death, and it won’t come.
      They search for death more eagerly than for hidden treasure.
 22 They’re filled with joy when they finally die,
      and rejoice when they find the grave.
 23 Why is life given to those with no future,
      those God has surrounded with difficulties?

Job 3

God does not comply.  Instead, He later admonishes Job for all the ways Job questioned God's wisdom.

God shows mercy and grace for the weak.  "He remembered us in our weakness.  His faithful love endures forever."  (Ps 136: 23)

7 He revealed his character to Moses
      and his deeds to the people of Israel.
 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
      slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
 9 He will not constantly accuse us,
      nor remain angry forever.
 10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
      he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
      is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
 12 He has removed our sins as far from us
      as the east is from the west.
 13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
      tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
 14 For he knows how weak we are;
      he remembers we are only dust.

Psalm 103

How dare I say one weaker than I is worthy of death?  Using, terms such as 'mercy killing', of all things?

Suffering is horrible.  It is no light thing.  We are better off dead and at peace with our Maker than alive on this dead earth.  But what of the weak ones God has not called home yet?  How dare I quesiton God's wisdom in allowing them to suffer so?

How dare I deny one the opportunity to learn how to allow God into the midst his or her suffering?  To wrestle with God for him or herself in the why of his or her suffering?  And learning more about Him and His character in the process?

Instead of taking the life as a distorted act of mercy of one weak and suffering, is it not better to extend a hand of God's version of mercy, love, inclusion, medical treatment, tenderloving care, compassion,  and encouragement to make his or her life better?  To show them the love of God?  Whether the person is cognitively aware of my mercy or not?

 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry
and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and
show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see
you sick or in prison and visit you?’

 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least
of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Matthew 25: 37-40

What would the world be like without Down syndrome?  I don't know.  What would the world like without the people who have Down syndrome living in it?  How have they contributed to society?  I can't say.

I can say how my life personally has been affected by people with Downs.  Most of the people I know personally who have had Down syndrome and I have made friends.  As with all friendships, some of these friendships came easily and others took a lot of work.  Either way, through our friendships, I learned things like how to trust people who said they loved me, and I learned that's it's really okay to laugh and be silly sometimes.  Something I really needed to learn.

I wonder why it matters.  I wonder why it matters what life would be like without Down syndrome and what life would be like without people who have Down syndrome.  I wonder why it matters what people with Down syndrome have contributed to society?

No one has ever looked at me, save perhaps my father in moments of frustration and myself in moments of despair, and pondered the question, "What does Julie contribute?"  "What good does her 'kind' do?" 

Yet, such questions come up when making a case for life.  When deciding to terminate a pregnancy when tests show the child will have developmental disabilities or when deciding, as it is becoming legal here in the west, to euthanize an infant with a severe disability or illness.  Those of us defending us these children and their right to life are quick to give our western answers which base their right to existence on what they can contribute to society.  What they can 'do' and 'give'.  These are action verbs, if I remember my 4th grade grammar.

Instead, though, I wonder if our arguments for the right to exist shouldn't be based on being verbs.  If we shouldn't understand for ourselves first, before we 'preach' to others, that our right to exist, all of ours, is based on who we are.  Or even that we are.

Peter Singer and other such 'ethicists', seem to be bypassing the argument of what one can contribute to society, anyway.  They are attacking directly one's personhood.  They are defining personhood based on whether or not one is aware of his existence and mortality.

So, they declare that infants, all infants, healthy or not, people with severe or profound cognitive disabilities, those in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, etc., though perhaps human, aren't really a  person.  Therefore, if the human is not really a person, euthanasia is very much ethical.

Also, for parents and doctors who really care about children born or who will be born with severe disabilities or illness, they are not so much concerned with what the child can contribute but with the child's potential suffering.  They have feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, despair, fear of the unknown, and guilt.  In their grief over their child's potential suffering, parents can be swayed by the thought that the child will be better off if they let him/her die by the hand of their trusted doctor.

How do we help those parents make a choice for life?  I'm asking because I don't know.  While we passionately know that the child has a right to exist, how do we lovingly convey to parents that their child is better off alive and suffering than dead and at peace?

Is the child better off suffering than dead?  Who are we to decide that the child must suffer?  Yet, who are we to decide that death at the hands of doctors is the answer to suffering?  

I think we should put down our protest signs, step out of the marching lines, with all due respect to the pro-life activists who have done much for the cause of life, and find a way to come along side suffering parents.  Help them find hope because there is hope in the midst of suffering.  Help them by enjoying and appreciating their child for who he/she is.

I think we should come along side those with disabilities and illness.  It is through relationship with them that we will come to understand that most of their suffering does not come from their disability or illness.  But rather their reception from the rest of society of prejudice, rejection, untold amounts of abuses, and the suspicion and judgment by some of us of their very existence.   

I'll admit, I had to watch this video a couple of times to really understand it.  I knew God used suffering for good, but I'd never thought of God as redeeming suffering.  Sin, sure, but suffering, too?  But the idea is begining to make sense to me, and I feel amazed and humbled by the character of God.  (Watch the video here or on YouTube with links to the rest of this talk.)