In the last of our current series – going through the missteps identified in The Plausibility Problem by Ed Shaw – we discuss whether suffering can and should be avoided. We share our own painful experiences and examine why some argue that the suffering of celibate same-sex attracted Christians is a reason to abandon traditional biblical teaching on sexual ethics.

We go on to show that suffering is a normal part of following Jesus, whether you're gay or straight, single or married. We look at some of the reasons why God allows us to suffer and the joys and benefits that we receive precisely because we suffer.

We also look at practical things that help us when we're struggling and ways that we can use our pain to love and serve others.

Resources mentioned and related

• The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw
• The Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward
• Support to Grieve Anne Witton
• You Only Live Once. Really? Adam Curtis
• Kitchen Floors and Gethsemane Andy Robinson
• What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton
• Childlessness Anne Witton
• Anne and Abby on Their Community House Anne Witton
• Sharing Life Together Anne Witton
• Confronting Christianity Rebecca McLaughlin
• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Mark Vroegop