Good Afternoon First Presbyterian,  

This Sunday I am answering the question: “Why do bad things happen to innocent people?” as we close out our Summer Sermon Series composed of questions you have asked Pastor Neff and I to address.

Without “spoiling” the sermon for you, part of the answer is that we are never promised that bad things won’t happen to us as Christians. In fact the Bible is full of examples of God using imperfect people, who have faced many trials in their own life, to bring the good news of God’s love to others.

In the book alongside: A Practical Guide for Loving Your Neighbor in their Time of Trial by Sarah Beckman, she notes that a friend often reminds her “Life isn’t for sissies.” Isn’t that the truth? Beckman notes that:

“As a Christian, I am comforted by the fact that Jesus knew a thing or two about hardship. Not only did he experience deep suffering, He warned us that we too would face trial at some point or another. ‘In this world you will have trouble,’ Jesus tells us. But thankfully he continues with this encouragement: ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)”

Beckman’s entire book is devoted to what to say, what to do, and what not to do when someone is getting divorced, has been diagnosed with cancer, is caring for a sick or aging loved one, etc. I am sure you can fill in the blanks with many more examples of trials from your own lives. 

When considering questions like this it is important to remember that we do not get sick because of a lack of faith. It is also important to remember that, if you don’t experience healing, it is not because you (or those around you) didn’t pray hard enough, or the correct way. 

What we are commanded to do in the Bible, over and over again, is to love our neighbors as ourselves when they are experiencing times of trial. I hope you can join us on Sunday at 9:30 am and for the Question and Answer period following the worship service as we discuss the concept of why bad things happen to all of us at some point in our lives, and how we are called to respond as Christians. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Erin