Why do bad things happen to good people? This is a question most of us ask ourselves at some point in our life. When we begin to see suffering as a natural consequence either of our own choices or the choices of others, we can realize it as a tool for healing and growth.

In this teaching Van of Urantia shares many of his personal afflictions -- from divorces; to the death of a 7 year old child; to his many physical struggles associated with diabetes, dialysis and kidney transplant -- and how God was always there to help him through it.  True healing of the soul comes through taking personal responsibility and having a mature spiritual attitude of understanding there is correction in affliction.

Van of Urantia teaches that God’s plan is perfect and our circumstantial reality is not an accident.  A true healer helps his students to accept the struggles of life and take responsibility to make both the personal changes needed for personal progress, and to help effect global change where needed to help the world progress.  Many true healers go unrecognized because people resist the work it takes to truly change.

For more on this subject check out “Teachings on Healing from a Spiritual Perspective” by Van of Urantia and Niánn Emerson Chase

See The URANTIA Book, Paper 148, Section 5
“The Purpose of Affliction”