Suffering is the experience of
pain, hardship, loss, or persecution
in a fallen world.
The Bible does not deny the reality of suffering
but places it within the larger story of
God’s redemptive purposes.
For the believer,
suffering is never meaningless;
it is used by God to
refine faith,
produce character,
deepen dependence on Christ,
and prepare for eternal glory.
Scripture presents several important truths about suffering:
- Suffering entered the world because of sin (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12).
- God is sovereign over suffering and can use it for good (Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20).
- Believers are not exempt from suffering; rather, they are called to endure it faithfully (John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12-13).
- Present suffering is temporary and not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
- Christ Himself suffered, and those who follow Him share in His sufferings (1 Peter 2:21; Philippians 3:10).
God uses suffering in the lives of His people for several purposes:
- To refine and test faith — Trials prove the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4).
- To produce character and hope — Suffering develops endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5).
- To deepen dependence on God — Hardship teaches reliance on the Lord rather than on self (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 12:7-10).
- To share in Christ’s sufferings — Believers are identified with their suffering Savior (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13).
- To prepare for eternal glory — Light, momentary affliction is producing an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
- To equip for ministry to others — Comfort received from God enables believers to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
The New Testament gives special attention to suffering that comes because of loyalty to Jesus. Persecution, rejection, and hardship endured for Christ’s name are considered a privilege and will be rewarded (Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 5:41; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
- Romans 5:3-5
- Romans 8:18, 28
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
- James 1:2-4, 12
- 1 Peter 1:6-7; 2:21; 4:12-13
- Philippians 3:10
- John 16:33
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
The Bible is realistic about the pain of suffering, yet it never leaves the believer without hope. Suffering is temporary; glory is eternal. Christ has suffered for His people and now suffers with them, and He will one day wipe away every tear. In the meantime, believers are called to endure with faith, knowing that God is at work in their trials for their good and His glory.
Entry compiled for the JESUSaves.com Bible Glossary. Optimized for wiki.js Visual Editor.