The Problem of Pain

In this essay Lewis mostly does not discuss simply physical pain. He is referring more to any pain that causes use discomfort or is unpleasant whether it be mental or not. Lewis describes pain as the evil that is most tangible. This is because pain is something that can not be ignored. If we are feeling pain there is nothing we can do but try to stop it.

Lewis explains why he thinks that God's reasons are for allowing pain to exist in the world. Pain is used by God to awaken us from the sin that we are blind to see and bring us closer to him. Another reason God uses pain is to make people who think that the reason their lives are so great is because of themselves. When we believe that we are successful only because of ourselves and our accomplishments, is when pain can remind us this is not true. God is the source of all that is good. Without him we would have nothing and therefore we need to thank him for that he gives to us. Sometimes when life is going well we forget to thank God for everything he has done for us. Pain is used by God to build a stronger relationship between his children and himself.

Lewis continues by going as far as to say that pain may even be a blessing. This quote helps to put this in perspective, "Let me implore the reader to try to believe, if only for the moment, that God, who made these deserving people, may really be right when He thinks that their modest prosperity and the happiness of their children are not enough to make them blessed." Sometimes it is only through our pain that we can learn obedience to God. It is the times of the greatest pain and suffering that brings us closest to God. How easy would it be if our will and God's were the same? If we can weather the storm our relationship with God will grow and the pain that God has put upon us will have done its purpose.