What Role Does Lament Play in the Christian Life?

Anyone who has been a Christian for any amount of time will recognize an apparent mismatch between their beliefs about God’s goodness and their experience of the world’s evil. Fortunately, the Bible fully testifies to this dissonant reality, even offering a model for how to faithfully hold this paradox together. It’s called lament, and it’s a vital, but often underappreciated component of Christian life.

[@curiousmind212]

This is the most helpful exposition I’ve ever heard on the topic of suffering and lament. Thank you for making this freely available.

[@NTWrightOnline]

We are glad you were touched. Our donors and supporters give to make these resources freely available, and we are so grateful they've made an impact upon you.
--NTW Online Team

[@normacorona8329]

Such a timely word - thank you!

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're encouraged to hear you were blessed, Norma!
--NTW Online Team

[@phylliswilliamstn]

Thank you, N T Wright and Admirato. 💯

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for your support, Phyllis!
--NTW Online Team

[@marksmale827]

A wonderful homily. Thank you Bishop Wright.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for the encouragement!
--NTW Online Team

[@davidlittlewood4215]

Incredibly profound teaching and much needed today. Thank you, NTW

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're grateful to share in this vision with you, David.
--NTW Online Team

[@gregfarrelly8377]

Thanks for information provided was talking to God in prayer around the topic of lament in life, thought you were going to mention " who can save us from our wretchedness, we'll Thanks be to God who does in Christ Jesus " in the spirit and human nature

[@elmienthom9825]

Thank you as always, prof. Wright

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're glad you are here with us, Elmien! Blessings.
--NTW Online Team

[@colindenoon9605]

Thank you Prof Wright. Clear and profound commentary as always!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for your support and encouragement, Colin! We are grateful for this community.
--NTW Online Team

[@lhutcheson9854]

Thank you, Tom! This was brilliant and so meaningful ❤❤

[@787Earl]

Thank you, God bless you.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Blessings to you, Earl. To hold beauty and lament together in one heart is part of what it means to be truly human.
--NTW Online Team

[@rebanelson607]

Why are some children born into love and privilege and some are born into abuse and suffering? I lament the suffering in the world. Thanks for your insight into the condition of this fallen world.

[@shawnholbrook7278]

🙏🏻

[@jameshaley2833]

Christian mindfulness, realism in God's economy.

[@KingsleyGeorgePouponeau]

Is lament, same as complaint. If not what is the difference?

[@veroniqueharmon4102]

I think it’s our sharing of the grief, our own and others’, and walking together in it with Him

[@MuyiwaMonehin]

Linguistically, they are obviously different.
Theologically, complaints are more like what the children of Israel did in the wilderness. It proceeds from a place of unfaithfulness; it is the pointing of the finger, now at God.
Lament is more like the Psalms. It flows from faith and faithfulness; it's approaching God to ask 'Why?' to understand what is going on.

[@michaelkistner6286]

Complaint is accusation. Lament is a cry of distress. The difference is trust.

[@gregfarrelly8377]

I think lamenting is around innocent suffering , as those mentioned Jesus, Jeremiah ( his lament was also around Israel condition as a result of corruption ) and Job complaining can be a lack of patience in genuine suffering or lack of wanting to change among other things