Lewis goes on about how we view the hardships and suffering in our life. According to Lewis it's necessary so that we can live in community. We won't love pity people if we have never suffered and will then not have compassion for our neighbors. I think Lewis has an interesting point here. This reminds me of the concept previously presented that there can be no evil without good. We don't know really understand joy until we've experienced sorrow.
It seems we need suffering in our lives to teach us lessons and for us to stay on the right track. Lewis talks about how when we are at our low points we often come to God. Then as soon as we are okay we turn our backs. Without suffering maybe we'd have a harder time giving God the wheel so to speak.
Some people say that they can't worship or even believe in a God that allows so much suffering to go on. I've never thought this. I have at times struggled after losing someone. In eighth grade my Grandma and Oma died and I somewhat frustrated, perhaps at God for this suffering. I grew stronger with God though. I see suffering as something that we brought on ourselves. We took the apple from the snake. We are sinners who deserve hell. We go through a little bit of suffering on this earth, but it's nothing compared to what we deserve. God is merciful and it is by his grace alone that we are saved. I am thankful and see any suffering as nothing compared to the undeserved suffering of Christ.
Your last paragraph got me thinking. Maybe the people who don't want anything to do with God are angry at the fact that they realize they need Him. As humans (and specifically Americans) we tend to like to be independent and do things our own way and on our own time. It may be harder for others to admit that they need God during their time of suffering and are angry that they realize that they can't handle it alone. I'm not saying this is true for everybody, but I just thought I'd put the idea out. Thanks for your thoughts!
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