Make return visits (4 mins.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Continue discussing with the person the tract you left on the previous visit (lmd lesson 9 item 3).
Setting: The publisher makes a return visit to someone to whom, on a previous visit, he left the tract entitled Will We Ever Stop Suffering? The person mentions that he read it and, because of the serious illness of a beloved neighbor, wonders why God allows suffering. With empathy, the publisher discusses with him a Bible text that highlights God’s promise to eliminate pain, sickness, and death.
Publisher: Good afternoon, [name]. It's so nice to hear from you again! I'm [name]. I visited you last week. How have you been?
Assistant: Hello, [name]. Yes, of course I remember you. Well, we're getting there, a bit rushed, but okay, thank God.
Publisher: I'm so glad to hear you're doing well. Last week I left you this booklet titled "Will We Ever Stop Suffering?" and we agreed to talk about it a bit. Did you have a chance to read it?
Assistant: Yes, I read it. And I confess that the question on the cover made me think quite a bit. Just these past few days, a very dear neighbor, who's practically family, became seriously ill. Seeing her and her children suffer breaks my heart. Then one can't help but wonder: "If God loves us, why does He allow so much suffering?"
Publisher: [Name], I'm so sorry to hear that. It must be very difficult to see someone you love so much going through that. It's normal to ask yourself that question. In fact, millions of people have asked themselves that question throughout history.
The beautiful thing is that the Bible doesn't ignore that feeling. On the contrary, it helps us understand how God feels when He sees people suffering.
Assistant: Really? Because, honestly, sometimes it seems like God is very far removed from everything that's going on.
Publisher: I understand why you feel that way. When suffering touches our family or friends, it's easy to think that. But look at what this text on the second page of the tract says. Would you like to read Revelation 21:4?
Assistant: Of course. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Publisher: Thank you very much. What stood out to you most about the verse?
Assistant: I think it's the part that says God will dry every tear. I'd never stopped to think about that expression before.
Publisher: It's a beautiful image, isn't it? Usually, the person who dries another's tears is someone who loves them and feels compassion for them. This verse teaches us that God is not indifferent to our pain. He sees suffering and promises to eliminate not only its consequences but also its causes. That's why it says there will be no more death, pain, or crying.
Assistant: Honestly, that gives me a lot of hope. My neighbor and her family really need something like that right now.
Publisher: That's right. And that hope can also give you strength as it accompanies her. Knowing that God intends to end suffering ultimately helps us not to lose hope, even in the most difficult times.
Assistant: Yes, but I still have a question. If God wants to end suffering and has the power to do so, why hasn't he done it already?
Publisher: That's an excellent question, [name]. In fact, it's the same question that appears on the next page of the tract: Why does God allow suffering? The Bible answers that question in a very logical way, and when you understand it, you better understand why God has waited and why we can be sure that he will keep his promise.
How about we spend a few minutes next Tuesday analyzing that answer directly in the Bible?
Assistant: That sounds great. I'm really interested in hearing that explanation.
Publisher: Excellent. Then I'll come by next Tuesday, at this same time, if that works for you.
Assistant: Yes, I'll be here.
Publisher: Thank you so much for your time, [name], and for sharing what you're going through with me. I sincerely hope your neighbor can cope with this situation, and I hope that next time the Bible's answer will bring her even more comfort and hope.
Assistant: Thank you very much, [name]. See you next Tuesday.
Publisher: Until then. Have a very good afternoon.
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