I think God looks at suffering and tragedy much differently than we do. In fact, if we look at Christ, we see that as a fact. Without the suffering of Christ, we would not have had the victorious resurrection.
Certainly from the perspective of those who watched Christ suffer and die, it was a tragedy. Yet, from God's perspective, it was a triumph.
So.... yes tragedy can be a matter of opinion. Our opinion really doesn't matter. God created us, created this universe, and He has the final say, no matter how smart, intelligent, and knowledgeable we are.
We are entitled to our opinions about an event, or a tragedy.
Here is a personal example I've experienced myself. A saint who gets cancer - I've seen the pastor tell that dear saint that he thinks it is the judgment of God.... Yet, when the same preacher got cancer - it was just a trial. Just one example of how an opinion is formed... but who truly knows which it is? Only God.
We can certainly think we know, but in reality... it is just an opinion.... and perhaps someday in eternity we will learn whether the tragedy was really a tragedy... or a triumph.
We are entitled to our opinions about an event, or a tragedy.
Here is a personal example I've experienced myself. A saint who gets cancer - I've seen the pastor tell that dear saint that he thinks it is the judgment of God.... Yet, when the same preacher got cancer - it was just a trial. Just one example of how an opinion is formed... but who truly knows which it is? Only God.
...
And right there, you have beautifully illustrated the dangers and futility of trying to assign spiritual meaning to events. They are all opinions and nothing more. And sometimes those opinions are harmful and hurtful, and downright absurd.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
And right there, you have beautifully illustrated the dangers and futility of trying to assign spiritual meaning to events. They are all opinions and nothing more. And sometimes those opinions are harmful and hurtful, and downright absurd.
I should go a step further, actually, and assert that (IMO ) such "opinions" are simply made up. They often come about from someone's agenda, as is likely the case of the pastor you mentioned: maybe he's just mean, or maybe he tries a little "too hard" to appear to have supernatural discernment (likes to impress) but forgets that his pronouncements (purely made up) may have devastating effects on people.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Yes, the devastating effects of one's "opinion" or pronouncement of something being a tragedy or the judgements of God, or just a trial.... are huge.
No doubt we've all felt the sting of someone's opinion of our situation, while not knowing all the details, and opinions were cast with devastating effects.
Which is why we must realize that opinions are just that... opinions. When suffering comes... whether it is a tragedy or a trial or the judgments of God, or the blessing of God.... we should leave that up to God to decide, and keep our opinions to ourselves.
Definitely someone's agenda plays a role in forming their opinion... as in the case of the pastor and the saint and cancer.
I think God looks at suffering and tragedy much differently than we do. In fact, if we look at Christ, we see that as a fact. Without the suffering of Christ, we would not have had the victorious resurrection.
Certainly from the perspective of those who watched Christ suffer and die, it was a tragedy. Yet, from God's perspective, it was a triumph.
So.... yes tragedy can be a matter of opinion. Our opinion really doesn't matter. God created us, created this universe, and He has the final say, no matter how smart, intelligent, and knowledgeable we are.
We are entitled to our opinions about an event, or a tragedy.
Here is a personal example I've experienced myself. A saint who gets cancer - I've seen the pastor tell that dear saint that he thinks it is the judgment of God.... Yet, when the same preacher got cancer - it was just a trial. Just one example of how an opinion is formed... but who truly knows which it is? Only God.
We can certainly think we know, but in reality... it is just an opinion.... and perhaps someday in eternity we will learn whether the tragedy was really a tragedy... or a triumph.
We have had the judgement of God pronounced on our life by my own Dad and he has openly rebuked my wife with utter disdain for her and her walk while speaking in tongues. What a joke!
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Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4)
Scripture is its own interpreter. Nothing can cut a diamond but a diamond. Nothing can interpret Scripture but Scripture" Thomas Watson.
We have had the judgement of God pronounced on our life by my own Dad and he has openly rebuked my wife with utter disdain for her and her walk while speaking in tongues. What a joke!
Yes, my own mother feels the same way about us. We are not saved at all (according to her), and every birthday card, Christmas card, or holiday, she shares verses with us of the coming judgments of God just as a reminder that she thinks unless we repent and come back to her church and its doctrines... we are eternally lost.
Again... it is a matter of opinion.
Can any of us truly know who will be saved or lost?
Of course, that judgment is reserved for Christ alone... but the way these people pronounce their judgments, and opinions on others.... would make you think they believe otherwise.
Well, this is why I have formed my opinion that all religions (including the one that a lot of people like to say isn't a religion, but a "relationship") are opinions. And it is very likely that none of them are right.
IMO.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Well, this is why I have formed my opinion that all religions (including the one that a lot of people like to say isn't a religion, but a "relationship") are opinions. And it is very likely that none of them are right.
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