Joni Eareckson Tada, no stranger to great suffering, writes, "Whether a godly attitude shines from a brain-injured college student or from a lonely man relegated to a back bedroom, the response of patience and perseverance counts. our 99 Self-Care Techniques for Christians, How God Used My Struggles with Scrupulosity to Teach Me His Amazing Grace. When you're in pain, your world narrows down to mere survival, and it's easy for others to judge you for not "following the rules" that should only apply to those whose lives aren't being swallowed by the pain monster. Proverbs 25:8. But God brings suffering in our lives for the sake of our eternal joy yes, even glory. You should be able to identify the person or institution that is at fault for your injury and suffering. And neither does it mean that Scripture doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now. The Bible speaks of suing and the importance of seeking justice (1 Timothy 6:7), but it does not specifically address this issue. ibid.,n. It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this . In Christ the enigma of pain and death is revealed. Pastor Dick Bacon once said, "If this life were easy, we'd just love it too much. It feels like a warm blanket being draped around your soul. The starting point for the Christian understanding of suffering is the messianic self-understanding of Jesus himself. Is it right for a Christian to sue? The amount of money you seek in your lawsuit can depend on your injury and also the legal limits in your jurisdiction. The subjectiveness of the process underscores the importance of documenting any and all information pertaining to your case. Sally's per-diem is $80 x 30 days for a total of $2,400 for her pain and suffering. That's what suffering will do for us. They were persecuted, treated maliciously, and even killed. Christians may also face trials and suffer simply because we live in a world full of sin. The Parable of the Good Samaritan corroborates what Christ said about the Last Judgment; "I was sick and you visited me". It prefigures the Lord's passion (cf. This amount is separate from lost wages and other medical expenses, such as x-rays, medications, and hospital visits. For this solidarity, Christ brought the elimination of sin to completion through his suffering in his life, passion, death and Resurrection. Oswald Chambers, Our Utmost for His Highest, September 1. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. This market value on pain and suffering established by similar cases is a starting point from which lawyers operate. Whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing. Taking this advice is wise, since lawsuits can rob us of our peace of mind (Proverbs 29:9). Cheryl's in-laws, both beset by lingering illnesses, couldn't understand why they couldn't just die and get it over with. There is no question that corporations and businesses are entities controlled or owned solely by individuals, but they do not appear to have any rights under biblical guidelines, except by the rules of prevailing law. But Jesus said, I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. A week later the wife died, followed in six months by her husband. or the next hour . Calculating Pain and Suffering Can Be Complex. Be tolerant of one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against someone; just as the Lord has forgave you, you too should forgive each other (Colossians 3:13). I have been asked to expound on John Paul II's incomparable thinking on human pain. After differentiating "natural" evil (e.g., tornados), "malicious" evil (e.g., sexual assault), and "accidental" evil (e.g., a bridge collapse)and observing that this isn't a uniquely Christian challenge ("No matter your worldview, you must face the reality of suffering and evil")Carson proceeds to reveal the six pillars. The Lord Jesus has a big job to do, changing His ragamuffin church into a glorious bride worthy of the Lamb. This is in addition to a separate amount covering the medical bills and lost work the plaintiff has as economic damages. This compensation comes from two main sources. It is the paradox that returns to being logical through the Omnipotent Love of God the Father who is his Spirit, and whose effectiveness is to be found in the culmination of human history when he grants to us the close solidarity of all peoples in the Pasch of the Incarnate Word. You also deserve to be compensated for the emotional pain that . So when I say to a mother or father who has also lost a child, "I hurt with you, because I've lost a precious one too," my tears bring warmth and comfort in a way that someone who has never known that pain cannot offer. Claims Amount = $2,000 + $300 X [5 to 10%] Current pain and suffering is the time period from the time of your injury, to the completion of all your medical . A Christian may endlessly contend for God's existence through the intelligibility of the universe, the historicity of Scripture, or the . The average payout for an injury from a car accident is $23,234 according to the Insurance Information Institute. Jesus wants not just a pure bride, but a mature one as welland suffering produces growth and maturity in us. I've been in your shoes." 3 attorney answers. The book of Job shows us there can be two ways to respond to suffering: one that curses God because of suffering and one that praises God, even in the midst of suffering (Job 2:910). The pain and suffering amount should be fair and just in the light of the evidence. One of the most incredibly comforting things we can ever experience is someone else's tears for us. An eternal God provides humans with an existence beyond the grave. The meaning of suffering is to do good by one's suffering and to do good to those who suffer (cf, ibid.,n.30). Adrian Rogers Love Worth Finding. ibid.,n. Ephesians 5:26-27 tells us He is making us holy by washing us with the Wordpresenting us to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish. Following a car accident, plaintiffs can generally sue for monetary damages (such as medical bills, medications, assistive technology, and lost wages), as well as for non-monetary damages, like pain and suffering, which includes . . For further help and information you may wish to visit the website of Peacemaker Ministries. For example, in Florida, a Plaintiff can receive up to $1 million for non-monetary damages. Solidarity, as the foundation of the whole of existence, is not only sympathy with all, a way of being socially committed and aware that we all belong to the same race, culture, nationality, etc., but is also the experiencing of a bond with all other human beings so deeply within ourselves that it is not a qualification that comes to us as soon as we exist but constitutes our existence itself. Lewis seemed to have a good grasp on this. If this doesnt work, and if a lawsuit seems warranted, you should get the counsel of a Christian attorney who is in a position to supplement his legal expertise with wisdom drawn from the Bible. If possible, try finding witnesses who were present during those instances where someone else caused harm to others (or even themselves). (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992), 122. But just as sunlight pours through a window but is blocked by a wall, I discovered that other people could see God's strength and beauty in me because of the window-like nature of my weakness! Sometimes we hurt so much we can't pray. Suffering is abnormalour souls protest, "This isn't right!" So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.". Pastor Jack Hibbs explores answers to these questions. Taken from: L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 7 September 2005, page 9. But take heart! The expense in terms of time, money and emotional outlay usually offsets any potential financial gain that might be expected from the case. I know the Bible says Christians should not sue Christians, but is it okay to sue non-Christians? This includes being charitable towards those who have wronged us or caused harm. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Let us now try to describe suffering. 5. Rather, it recognizes the multifaceted ways that suffering can come upon us. So often, people wonder what kind of cruel God would deliberately make a world so full of pain and suffering. The Bible tells us that the world is at enmity with God and at enmity with Christians. The Bible does talk about mediation, which could be considered a form of suing for your rights. Ray and I lost our first baby when she was born too prematurely to survive. But many times, pain and suffering settlements are calculated using one of two formulas used by insurance companies. Consequently, the cause of suffering is an evil; so, suffering and evil can be identified with each other. The Pope now goes a step further and reaches the heart of the mystery; in his mortal life, Christ put an end to pain by his miracles, He took upon himself the suffering of all and bore it with full consciousness on the Cross (cf. A man is required to recover for the time he lost when he is struck by another man, as stated in Exodus 21:18-19. Suffering makes us more determined to obey God; it teaches us to be submissive. The Holy Spirit is the Love of the Father and of the Son, and it is only through the Love of the Spirit that we can glimpse this mysterious, redeeming solidarity. What if the person in question is a believer? ibid.,n. I believe that insurance companies and corporations should be held accountable for their negligence, but what is more important is the attitude of a Christian as well as his or her submission to Gods will as a Christian. Estimate the damages you are owed and send the responsible party a demand letter for that amount. Economic damages: $5,000. There is no doubt from what is written in the book of Acts that Paul recognized the authority and the responsibility of the government of Rome as well. The multiplier is chosen depending on factors such as: For example, if a person is involved in a car accident and suffers whiplash, a concussion, and a broken arm, their medical bills could total $5,000. Suffering often develops compassion and mercy in us. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Christ himself is the One who was cared for, and the one who fell into the hands of bandits is cared for and helped. The church is meant to be a refuge for those suffering. This gift of solidarity is the meaning of the Incarnation and the meaning of Jesus Christ. Deep suffering of the soul is also a taste of hell. Pain and suffering is something that cannot be easily quantified, making it difficult to prove. Consider how the Lord Jesus was the exact representation of the glory of the FatherI mean, He was all window and no walls! We learn in Hebrews 12:10 that we are enabled to share in His holiness through the discipline of enduring hardship. Less serious injuries still can bring large settlements depending on the length of hospitalization, physical therapy, and counseling that is involved. The Lord Jesus has His work cut out for Him in purifying us for Himself (Titus 2:14). Suffering Because of The Culture / Systems of the World. Christian K. Lassen II View Profile . Give to the one who asks you, and does not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from does. Paul confronts that type of thinking when he writes, Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). You can sue for pain and suffering for economic and non-economic losses. Losing heart is a great spiritual danger. Sue Bohlin looks at suffering from a Christian perspective. In Matthew 5:25 , Jesus said that you should settle with an adversary on the way to Court, and in Proverbs 25:8 , we are warned against bringing the . We see this biblical truth illustrated through the persecuted church. My friend Pete buried his wife a few years ago after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. With the peace of Christ upon our hearts, let us love our neighbors in their suffering. The only answer [to the "why" of suffering] can come from the love of God in the Cross (cf. Nevertheless, before suing anyone, including entities, Christians should ensure that the reasons for initiating the lawsuits are legitimate, lawful, biblical, and moral before they initiate the lawsuit. 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1051. Focus on the Familys counselors would be happy to listen to your concerns and come alongside you with some practical suggestions. Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? Suffering has done that for me. Christians were murdered, women raped and sold into slavery along with their children, and whatever property they owned was either destroyed or stolen from them. The Gospel, alone, is not the only form of justice that is Perfect, But this is the best form of justice that may be able to help many family members who lose family member(s) through the Wrong doing Of another in the form of injury or death due to the wrongdoing of another. You cannot sue a doctor you overheard giving medical advice in a social setting. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. This article is also available in Spanish. We get to the point of saying, "Lord, I can only make it through today if You help me . Get Your Free Consultation From a Top Lawyer. Suffering reminds us that we live in an abnormal world. Oswald Chambers reminds us that "God has one destined end for mankindholiness. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! Painful as they are, all our deaths and endings hold lessons we cannot live wisely without. He will give us the comfort, peace, patience and strength we need. or the next few minutes." By offering a free consultation, they can get your information and market other services to you. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. In addition to individual suffering, there is collective suffering due to human errors and transgressions, especially war. Deprivation does not demand a positive cause but the search for its origin. One of the most powerful words of comfort I received when we were grieving our baby's loss was from a friend who said, "Your pain may not be about just you. One of my dearest friends shared with me the prayer from a heart burning with emotional pain: "Papa, I know I can make it through the next fifteen minutes if You hold me and walk me through it." Avvo Rating: 10. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy: Practical Help for Those Angry Feelings That Ruin Relationships. This is the heart of Christianity. 17). As hurtful as it is, suffering can purify us if we submit to the One who has a loving plan for the pain. The Bible speaks of suing and the importance of seeking justice (1 Timothy 6:7), but it does not specifically address this issue. This the opinion of Job's friends (cf. Christians should benchmark their decision against what they believe God would want them to do. if You take me through today . And what is the link between experiencing suffering and equipping for ministry? The fear that accompanies suffering drives us to the Father like a little kid burying his face in his daddy's leg. 1. People put questions to God about its cause and frequently reach the point of denying him when they are unable to discover the reason for it (cf. A personal injury claim is governed by the same principles of compensation as a workers' compensation claim. Suffering is excellent at teaching us humble dependence on God, the only appropriate response to our Creator. It was the most horrible suffering we've ever known. What happens when one Christian sues another Christian? Life Insurance Attorney in Philadelphia, PA. "5 The reality of God's power, His love, and His character are made very, very real to a watching world when we trust Him in our pain. Solidarity belongs to divinized human life as a gift received which takes part in the mystery itself of God's very life. He wanted them to grow in trust and dependence on the Father. 14). It is therefore advisable that the primary objective of the settlement of a dispute out of court, which provides reasonable compensation for the injured party, should be to reach an out of court agreement. Consequently, the cause of suffering is an evil; so, suffering and evil can be identified with each other. Pain and suffering. Mystery, in the Christian faith, is not darkness but dazzling brightness. Applying a biblical worldview to this difficult subject results in a distinctly different approach to suffering than our natural inclination of blame and self pity. But losing Becky has enabled me to weep with those who weep with the comforting tears of one who has experienced that deep and awful loss. Then we can turn around and walk alongside others in their pain, showing the compassion that our own suffering has produced in us. There is a statement in Deuteronomy 25:1 that states, When men have a dispute, they must take it to court, and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. Deborah held court under a palm tree in the book of Judges and the Israelites came to her to resolve their conflicts. We need to be reminded that we are living in "Plan B." Only by experiencing the mystery can we penetrate it with our minds. Christian contractors may be unable to pay their employees and support their families without this money. . This means that pain and suffering is calculated over and above medical expenses at that rate. There's another aspect of bringing comfort to those in pain. Most settlements include confidentiality clauses, which prohibit the plaintiff from disclosing the amount of the settlement. We usually don't have much trouble understanding that our Divine Bridegroom loves us; but we can easily forget how much He longs for us to love Him back. 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