What Does The Bible Say About Suffering
What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?
Suffering is a universal human experience. It transcends cultures, time periods, and circumstances. Christians in particular should expect even higher levels of suffering, especially considering the culture in which we live, and the amount of influence Satan is allowed to have in this world for now. For a disciple of Jesus, understanding suffering through the lens of Scripture, with a biblical worldview is essential to finding hope and meaning amidst pain. Let’s see what the Bible says about suffering, offering a comprehensive view rooted in Scripture. We will examine suffering's origins, purposes, and ultimate redemption, all while drawing on the truths of God's Word.
The Origin of Suffering
The Bible attributes the existence of suffering to humanity's fall into sin. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's disobedience brought sin, death, and suffering into the world:
"Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life" (Genesis 3:17, ESV).
This passage reveals that suffering was not part of God's original design but entered as a consequence of sin. Romans 5:12 reinforces this truth:
"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" (Romans 5:12, ESV).
Suffering is a result of living in a fallen world. Just as all humans are under the law of sin and experience sin in their lives, all humans experience levels of suffering. This universal reality underscores the brokenness of creation and humanity's need for redemption.
Jesus Himself warned His followers that life in this world would not be free from hardship. In John 16:33, He said:
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, ESV).
Jesus’ words prepare believers for the inevitability of trials, while also offering hope in His ultimate victory. In Matthew 10:22, Jesus further cautioned:
"and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22, ESV).
He spoke of the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him would involve challenges, opposition, and suffering. Luke 9:23 highlights this call:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:23, ESV).
These warnings remind us that suffering is not only a result of living in a sinful world but also an expected part of living faithfully as a follower of Christ. Jesus' honesty about the difficulties His followers would face serves to strengthen and prepare believers. Understanding this foundational truth is critical to a biblical worldview on pain and hardship. By embracing these realities, Christians can face suffering with the assurance that their Savior has both experienced and overcome it.
God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Scripture affirms that God is sovereign over all circumstances, including suffering. While suffering is a consequence of sin, it is not outside God's control or purposes:
"The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble" (Proverbs 16:4, ESV).
The story of Job is perhaps the clearest example of God's sovereignty in suffering. Job, a righteous man, endured immense loss and pain, yet his trials were not meaningless. God permitted Satan to test Job, but only within the boundaries He set (Job 1:12; 2:6). Job's story reminds us that even when we do not understand, God has a purpose in our suffering.
The Purpose of Suffering
The Bible reveals several purposes for suffering in the life of a believer:
Refining Faith:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3, ESV).
Suffering tests and strengthens our faith, making us more like Christ.
Producing Character:
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-4, ESV).
Disciplining Believers:
"For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives" (Hebrews 12:6, ESV).
Glorifying God:
In John 9, Jesus healed a man born blind. When asked why the man was born this way, Jesus replied:
"It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him" (John 9:3, ESV).
Christ’s Suffering as Our Example
Jesus Christ’s life and death are the ultimate examples of redemptive suffering. Isaiah 53 prophesies the suffering of the Messiah:
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:4, ESV).
The New Testament echoes this truth:
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21, ESV).
Jesus’ suffering was not only for our salvation but also an example of how to endure suffering with faith and obedience.
Comfort in Suffering
God’s Word provides profound comfort for those who are suffering, addressing the deep pain and questions that often accompany trials. The Bible assures believers that God is near, faithful, and sufficient in all circumstances:
God’s Presence:
The presence of God brings unparalleled comfort to those who suffer. Psalm 23:4 beautifully expresses this assurance:
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4, ESV).
The Lord’s promise to be with His people is echoed throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 41:10, God declares:
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).
God’s Promises:
God’s promises offer hope and perspective during trials. Romans 8:28 provides assurance that suffering is not wasted:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, ESV).
This promise is reinforced by 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, which points to the eternal significance of suffering:
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV).
God’s Provision:
God equips believers with the grace and strength they need to endure suffering. The Apostle Paul testifies to this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV).
Philippians 4:19 also assures believers of God’s provision:
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19, ESV).
God’s Empathy:
Jesus Himself understands our suffering, as He endured the full weight of human pain and grief. Hebrews 4:15 offers this comforting reminder:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15, ESV).
Through His suffering, Jesus not only provided salvation but also showed that God intimately understands and cares for His people.
By turning to God’s Word, believers can find comfort and hope amidst the darkest trials. The Bible assures us that God’s presence, promises, provision, and empathy are more than sufficient to sustain us, reminding us that we are never alone in our suffering.
The Hope of Redemption
The Bible assures believers that suffering is temporary and will ultimately be redeemed:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18, ESV).
Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of the future where suffering is eradicated:
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
This hope sustains us, reminding us that God’s plan for His people includes eternal joy and freedom from pain.
Trusting God in Suffering
Suffering is a complex and painful reality, but the Bible offers clarity, purpose, and hope. From its origins in the fall to its ultimate eradication in eternity, suffering is under God’s sovereign care. By trusting in His character and promises, Christians can endure suffering with hope, knowing that it produces eternal fruit.
May the truths of Scripture anchor your soul and remind you that, in Christ, suffering is never without meaning or purpose.