Can ChatGPT write about suffering?
With the breakthrough in AI technology that came through ChatGPT, people have been asking it to respond to all sorts of queries. Out of curiosity, I asked it to write an editorial on Christian suffering. I thought it did quite well, even quoting an appropriate passage on suffering, Romans 5:3–4, where Paul says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Here’s ChatGPT’s conclusion: “Christian suffering is a complex and challenging topic, but one that is an inevitable part of the human experience. It is important for Christians to remember that suffering is not a punishment or a sign of divine disfavor, but simply a consequence of living in a broken world. Christians may experience suffering for a variety of reasons, but they are not alone in their struggles. Finally, it is important to recognize that suffering can be an opportunity for growth, resilience, and faith, and that Christians can emerge from their trials stronger and more compassionate than ever before.”
Words about suffering ring empty from one who hasn’t actually walked through the fires of suffering and found God’s enduring faithfulness is true in the midst of it.
What I found lacking in ChatGPT’s editorial, however, is the voice of one who has suffered. Words about suffering ring empty from one who hasn’t actually walked through the fires of suffering and found God’s enduring faithfulness is true in the midst of it.
In this issue, we are sharing the voices of sufferers. Linda West shares Lucy’s story of struggle with mental illness (p. 6). This is not a story where mental illness goes away and everyone lives a long and happy life, but it is a story of experiencing God’s presence with us in suffering. “Remember he knows how to carry a cross,” Lucy said.
Kevin Wiebe shares his family’s current struggles with health (p. 10). Without knowing the outcome, he still says, “In light of eternity, and in light of the cost of salvation, I have come to a much deeper peace around some of these matters that used to perplex and deeply unsettle me.”
Starting on page 14, Sarah Barkman walks us through biblical examples of suffering, culminating in the suffering of Christ. While the disciples didn’t have a category for a messiah who suffered, “we have the example of Jesus who … came to participate in our sufferings with us, going as far as giving up his very life.”
Recently I was privileged to teach the reconciliation story of Jacob and Esau to a Sunday school class of early elementary-age students. What stood out to me in the biblical account is that, when the tension was highest for Jacob, God shows up (Genesis 32:22–31). In this wild and wonderful account, God doesn’t show up as a soft, comforting presence telling Jacob everything is going to be okay. Instead, he contends (wrestles) with Jacob, and gives him the blessing of a changed name: Israel, which means “wrestles with God” or “God contends.”
In our sufferings and questions, we continue to wrestle with God, but that means he’s near and walking with us.
