The Divine Tension: Why Suffering Isn't a Mistake in God's Plan

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the questions we wrestle with in our quiet moments—or even in a lively missionary discussion—feel bigger than us. We look at the world, we look at our own lives, and we ask: If our Heavenly Father is all-powerful and all-loving, why does suffering exist? Why is there so much pain, both physical and moral?

It’s a question that has challenged prophets, philosophers, and disciples for millennia. It’s a deep, weighty topic that touches the very core of our faith in the Plan of Salvation. It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause during a study session in HolyPlaces and really dig into the scriptures.

Recently, I came across a discussion that used a modern, even video-game-adjacent, analogy to tackle this. It was fascinating because it took something abstract—divine providence—and grounded it in a narrative we could almost visualize. It really helped frame the tension between omnipotence and free will.

What struck me most, and what I hope helps any of you feeling the weight of these big questions, was the shift in perspective. The narrative suggested that if God simply "fixed" everything—if He acted like the all-powerful Superman who eliminates all crime—He would also have to eliminate the capacity for choice. And without the freedom to choose evil, we wouldn't truly have the freedom to choose good. That freedom, that sacred capacity to choose and strive, is what makes our journey, and our covenants, so precious.

The Redemption, Not Removal, of Pain

The message wasn't that God ignores pain, but that He doesn't remove it *for* us; He enters *with* us. Think about the Savior. He didn't bypass the suffering; He descended into it. He didn't just fix the brokenness from a distance; He experienced the depths of it. That act of suffering—that ultimate empathy—is where the transformation happens.

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

This scripture, often cited, reminds us that our suffering, when offered up to Him, is not wasted. It has purpose. It connects us, as His body, to His own experience. It’s a profound concept for any disciple, whether you are in the MTC, serving a mission, or simply trying to be a better parent or friend at home.

A Bite-Sized Skill for Our Internet Missionaries

As we are all called to be internet missionaries, we will inevitably encounter people who ask the hard questions. How do we answer them with grace, knowledge, and genuine compassion? I recommend keeping this concept of "Christ's suffering matters" close to heart. When someone asks, "Why does bad things happen to good people?" don't just give a theological answer; share a testimony of Christ's empathy. Say, "I don't have all the answers, but I know that Jesus Christ didn't just observe suffering; He lived it, and that makes Him the only one who can truly redeem it."

If you want to dig deeper into how to handle these tough conversations, I highly recommend checking out the resources available in **LivingBook**. Sometimes a good **Book Club** discussion or diving into the **Social Scripture Study** layer can illuminate these very concepts.

Where to Go Next

If this topic resonated with you, please join us for our next virtual gathering! We'll be discussing how to apply the principle of *giving our suffering to God* in our daily lives. Details are in the community feed. If you're looking for something to ponder until then, I’ve bookmarked a few passages in the Book of Mormon related to endurance—I'll share the specific readings in the comments!