Hello Tom,
Many ask the same question, "Why does God allow such incredible suffering, especially with innocent children?"
God gives us the freedom of choice in what we do, in how we choose to conduct our lives. Our acceptance or rejection of His word and His plan of salvation.
II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV
Regarding children Matthew 18:1-10 tells us of Jesus setting forth a little child and describing how we ought to become as that little one if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven.
vs 5 And whosoever shall, receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
vs 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Obviously it is against Gods will that they should suffer.
I take comfort in verse 10:
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do ALWAYS behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
For me, because I believe Gods word, the above passage leaves no grey area in my mind. At some point we must reach an age of accountability where if we hear the message of salvation we choose to either receive it or reject it. Just as we choose to do good or evil, to harm a child or to help and love them.
God bless,
John |
