What is a biblical perspective on suffering? Loving those who suffer is an evidence of God living in us, and it illustrates His perfect love (1 John 4:12). Similarly, small groups and book clubs will find that it generates helpful conversations about the church’s response to suffering. What Does The Bible Say About Suffering? Satan is the author of sin, and suffering came on mankind as a result of Adam’s sin (Genesis 3). It is without doubt that many are wondering what the Bible says about suffering. Whatever character and faith are already built into a Christian’s life prior to going through suffering tends to come out during suffering. The ultimate answer to suffering was at the cross when Jesus declared, “It is finished” . I highly recommend it. He left us an example of how to suffer (1 Peter 2:19-21). What does the Bible say about suffering? Only in heaven is there no pain, death or grief (Revelation 21:4). What Does the Bible Say About Suffering? That word, combining the Greek words for "long" and "temper," more fully means to be slow to anger, to suffer anger with restraint, or to forbear. Similarly, small groups and book clubs will find that it generates helpful conversations about the church’s response to suffering. Pastors will find it useful in their preaching and counseling ministries. The quest for an answer to the problem of suffering is universal. The author of salvation entered fully into suffering and emergence victorious over it (Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 3:18). In a sense, suffering for Jesus proves the believer’s faith. Suffering is Complex. While suffering can be a result of sin, all creation, even the righteous, will groan under the weight of sin and suffering (Romans 8:20-22). He also redeems and uses our suffering for His good purposes (Romans 8:28). Our suffering as we follow Him has purpose, and it will come to an end. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Fundamentally, the Bible is a story —a story of where the world came from, what has gone wrong in it, and what God is doing to set it right. An important Bible story to inspire you is the temptations of the man, Job. God often uses suffering as a tool in the believer's life to mold, sharpen, and strengthen us. Christians are meant to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The author of salvation entered fully into suffering and emergence victorious over it (Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 3:18). When Lazarus died, this gave Jesus the opportunity to encourage faith. Jesus will Heal Every Hurt. We see this in Joseph’s tough circumstances (Genesis 37-50). When God’s children hurt, He can strengthen them to make wise choices and desire the will of God more than anything else (1 Peter 4:1-2). An example of this is the healing of the man blind from birth (John 9:1-3). The Apostle Paul experienced various faces of suffering (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). According to the Bible, God will bring an end to the suffering of every human on the planet. In this arena of warfare, God’s children can either curse God because of suffering, or trust Him in the midst of trials as Job did (Job 2:9-10). Jesus said the man’s blindness was to show the works of God through his healing. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Causing death is unacceptable, but there is no requirement to go to desperate lengths to prolong life during the dying process. Suffering for the believer is not only for eternity's sake but is purifying in this life as well. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. Paul’s suffering—his “thorn” in the flesh—tormented him, but he found in weakness the opportunity to boast of Christ’s power (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why doesn't he do something about the … When suffering proves the genuineness of the Christian’s faith, this results in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-9). So, what does the Bible say about longsuffering? The psalmist said his afflictions were good, because they made him more faithful and taught Him God’s commands (Psalm 119:67, 71). Does the Bible say anything about empathy? Brian Han Gregg thinks we should take a different approach. We don’t like suffering and try to avoid it. When you are lonely, disappointed, and going through pains and suffering, you must pick up your bible to encourage yourself. Therefore, he … There will be no more death or … Christians can experience “many troubles”—mental, physical, emotional or spiritual suffering (Psalm 34:19). I’m not so sure about taxes, but I’m pretty sure that death is definitely a sure thing. But lessons learned in suffering can equip a believer for future ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Suffering because of sin is a tragic part of all human life. Jesus also promised to be with His people through their earthly sufferings (John 16:33). People often treat Scripture like a manual, looking for a single clear response that explains the presence of evil and suffering. One of the basic truths is that suffering only brings out our hope even more. We all know what it is to come face to face with our limitations, failings, and deficits. So we must understand that God is the one who grants us the ability to be patient or longsuffering. He didn’t question God’s sovereignty, but he did agonize over things he couldn’t understand (Job 10:2). What Does the Bible Says About Suffering? Lazarus’ sickness was “for the glory of God,” and Jesus would also receive glory (John 11:1-4). What does the Bible say about suffering? I highly recommend it. The ultimate answer to suffering was at the cross when Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). What does the Bible say about the Christian's hope? But Paul says the Christian’s “light and momentary” troubles achieve for them greater joy and eternal glory that outweighs anything they will suffer (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and the believer keenly feels this loss of fellowship when dealing with a sin. 23 Bible Verses about Suffering For Christ's Sake ... “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Job's suffering, and ours too, has a purpose. Read these Top 9 Bible Verses-Why Does God Allow Suffering? 1 … These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. The Christ-follower suffers for Jesus’ sake, is conformed to His image, places all hope in Him—trusting that all things work together for His purposes— and enters into the freedom and glory of Sonship for all eternity (Romans 8:18-30). Jim, I want to bring up the subject: What does the Bible say about death? Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, What Is the Difference Between Religion and Spirituality? explores twelve themes related to the issue of human suffering and reflects on what we can learn from the diversity of the biblical witness. Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. David felt this struggle when he asked, “How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). The church is where believers practice all the “one anothers” of Scripture. He said His followers would be blessed when they faithfully endured suffering for His name’s sake (Matthew 5:10-12). – John 16:33 The Bible does not specifically discuss euthanasia. by Paul Kroll available from Rakuten Kobo. God sometimes allows things that are undeserved—disease and disabilities—to display His marvelous work. It also tells us the way of salvation in Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment for sin and gives a future hope to all who put their faith in Him (John 3:16–18). Suffering Is Mysterious and Pervasive Because of that choice, the curse of sin pervades all creation—humans have a sin nature (Romans 5:12-21); but people also are sinners because of their choices (Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:8). The Bible affirms, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Healing - What does the Bible have to say. Does the Bible say anything about suffering? 1. Bible Verses about Suffering - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we… I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the… Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the… But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are… He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and… All Christians have or will suffer (John 16:33; Acts 14:22). The justified, sanctified believer will be glorified in heaven. He was tempted in every way humans are, yet he was without sin. is a short-but-wise book. When Christians face trials and tribulations and find God faithful, they have firsthand experience to encourage others in their suffering. The church is meant to be a refuge for those who hurt, a place where those who suffer in various struggles can come for help. … Many wonder how a loving God could allow such deep suffering in the world. It can be thought of as a play with four acts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. The problem of suffering is challenging, and people often wonder how a kind, loving God can allow suffering. Why Do We Sing Auld Lang Syne at the New Year? In the midst of an extreme trial, it can be hard to develop mature faith. Verse Concepts. Responses to suffering are deeply personal and evoke strong emotions, but the Bible offers examples that reveal not only the mystery of human suffering but God’s eternal perspective. The Bible does not … God, on the other hand, … He wasn’t aware of the conversation between God and Satan that set up this battle. Particularly when that suffering is unjust? The Bible affirms God's love as well as the stark realities of suffering. In suffering there is also, I believe, a message of warning. 40 Beautifully Inspiring Quotes About God's Love, 25 New Year Bible Verses to Renew Our Hope and Faith. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. One key passage is in … Jesus in the flesh experienced weariness and other human weakness. He said, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (John 11:40). When Christians suffer, people are watching, and Christians’ intent in times of suffering should be to honor God. What Does the Bible Says About Suffering? Suffering can be the result of God's discipline, which He does out of love (Hebrews 12:6–11). Another example is Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, an unfaithful woman. But that is only a small part of suffering's role in the life of the believer. Our suffering as we follow Him has purpose, and it will come to an end. 4. Read "What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?" The world tells us to hide our weakness, pretending it doesn’t exist. It is with this in mind that we hereby make this piece of writing. Hosea suffered as a demonstration of God’s love (Hosea 3:1). God also uses the pruning work of suffering to help Christians bear more fruit (John 15:2). Some suffering comes because of a battle for the believer’s allegiance, as in the case of Job (Job 1:11-12). Suffering is one of the topics in Christianity that is quite challenging to explain. explores twelve themes related to the issue of human suffering and reflects on what we can learn from the diversity of the biblical witness. All rights reserved. Suffering is a battleground. His suffering led to many people being rescued (50:20). Satan still comes to believers in times of uncertainty or suffering, tempting them to doubt God. Paul deeply desired to share in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10). Suffering can show up in many ways. Instead, it recognizes the complexity of suffering and how it … The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Tragedies are especially difficult to understand, but sometimes God uses earthly calamities as agents of change, calling people to repentance (Luke 13:4-5). The Bible addresses this issue head on. The Bible tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances" in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. They can trust God with their anger when they are sinned against, and learn to forgive (Romans 12:19; Colossians 3:13). explores twelve themes related to the issue of human suffering and reflects on what we can learn from the diversity of the biblical witness. Paul said when we share Christ’s sufferings, we can rejoice when His glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). By means of his heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will drastically change the human condition​—for the better. Ask God to help you have a trusting, patient attitude, and flee from bitterness. But our circumstances can make it difficult to give thanks. You know, I’ve always been told all my life there are two sure things: taxes and death. First of all, we have to realize that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). Jesus said His people would follow in His footsteps, and that would include suffering (John 15:20). Yes, suicide is a terrible tragedy, a sin even, but it does not negate the Lord's act of redemption. (Romans 10:13, NIV) Responses to suffering are deeply personal and evoke strong emotions, but the Bible offers examples that reveal not only the mystery of human suffering, but God’s eternal perspective. Pastors will find it useful in their preaching and counseling ministries. That’s the hardest thing of all, to be patient, to have songs in the night. The Bible doesn’t diminish our experience of suffering. Longsuffering is not simply suffering for a long time, but is a specific word used in the Bible. This should cause Christians to rejoice. Christ-followers know only “in part” many of the mysterious purposes of God (1 Corinthians 13:9), but it’s clear how suffering began. The Bible has a lot to say about hope. Suffering can come because of foolish choices. Suffering causes the biblically-grounded believer to worship God—praising His providential hand and trusting His loving heart—even when the causes for hurtful circumstances are unclear. Though no trial can separate the Christian from Christ’s love (Romans 8:35), the mystery of suffering is real. Suffering is not without purpose. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. That purpose is not always punishment, although sin does bring punishment. No human has the right to take his own life or the life of another. All who desire to live godly will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29), but even in times of mistreatment or persecution, believers can seek God, find His blessing and give a powerful testimony for Christ (Matthew 5:10-11; 1 Peter 2:19-20). God teaches His children to persevere and be sensitive to others’ needs (James 1:2-4; Matthew 25:35-36). There is no better place to find these answers than the Bible. Our salvation rests securely in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. * However, what it does say about life and death offers a balanced perspective. What does the Bible teach about patience? But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. There are countless biblical passages involving God’s suffering. We see this in Proverbs: fools suffer harm (13:20), lazy people become hungry (19:15), adulterers reap bad consequences (6:32), etc. What Does the Bible Say About Suffering? He was an old testament figure that was faithful to God despite all persecutions of the devil. Suffering should all people to ask, “Am I ready to meet God?”. Let's look at 10 things the Bible says about suffering and how we should respond so that our faith can be built. Although challenging, it … In the midst of impending suffering, Jesus’ example was: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Brian Han Gregg: One source of suffering in each of our lives is weakness. Suffering produces endurance, character and hope (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 5:10). ... which may include choosing death for one that is suffering. What Does the Bible Say About Suffering? is a short-but-wise book. Wherever there is suffering, there is a battle — a battle for your soul. Suffering proves the authenticity of one's faith and produces righteousness in the true believer. New wisdom and maturity are tools God can use. God sovereignly uses circumstances to teach powerful lessons or accomplish His will. Romans 5:3-5 - And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh … Matthew 10:22. 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