Understanding Suffering: 5 Biblical Truths Every Christian Should Know

Five Biblical Truths About Suffering Every Christian Should Know

As Christians, we are not immune to suffering. It is a reality that we all face at one point or another in our lives. But despite its inevitability, suffering is not random or without meaning. The Bible offers us many insights into how we can understand and make sense of our suffering. Here are five important biblical truths about suffering that every Christian should know:

1. Suffering is Multifaceted

There are many different types of suffering, and the Bible does not try to simplify our experience by saying that all suffering is the same. Rather, it acknowledges that suffering can come in many different forms, including physical pain, emotional distress, and spiritual struggles. The Apostle Paul himself experienced a variety of sufferings, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwreck, as well as anxiety for the churches he had founded (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

There are also many different causes of suffering, including illness, persecution, natural disasters, and personal sin. But regardless of the form or cause, suffering is a universal human experience. Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33).

One of the key biblical truths about suffering is that God is present with us in our suffering. He is not distant or uninvolved, but rather he is intimately acquainted with our pain and grief (Isaiah 53:3).

2. Suffering is Temporary

Another important truth about suffering is that it is temporary. The Bible teaches that we are not meant to experience suffering forever, but that one day God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

While we may not fully understand why we are called to suffer in this life, we can take comfort in the knowledge that our suffering is not eternal. Our hope is in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).

3. Suffering Has a Purpose

Although suffering can be painful and difficult to endure, the Bible teaches us that it can also have a purpose. One of the most well-known Bible verses about suffering is Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse does not mean that all suffering is good or that God causes suffering in order to teach us a lesson. Rather, it means that God can take even the worst situations and bring good out of them. He can use our suffering to refine our faith, to teach us perseverance and endurance, and to help us grow in compassion and empathy for others who are suffering.

4. Suffering Can Draw Us Closer to God

Another truth about suffering is that it can draw us closer to God. When we are going through difficult times, we may feel like God is far away or that he has abandoned us. But the Bible teaches us that God is actually closest to us in our times of greatest need.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In our suffering, we can turn to God for comfort and strength, knowing that he is with us and that he cares for us.

Furthermore, our suffering can deepen our relationship with God and help us to trust him more fully. The Apostle Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in all circumstances, whether he was well-fed or hungry, whether he was living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12). Paul’s suffering had taught him to rely on God’s strength rather than his own, and to find joy in the midst of hardship.

5. Suffering is a Testimony to Others

Finally, the Bible teaches us that our suffering can be a testimony to others. When we endure suffering with faith and perseverance, we demonstrate to others the reality of our hope in Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” When we face suffering with hope and trust in God, we have an opportunity to share our faith with others and to point them to the source of our strength.

Conclusion

Suffering is a difficult and painful reality of life, but as Christians, we can find hope and comfort in the truths that the Bible teaches us. We can trust that God is present with us in our suffering, that he has a purpose for our pain, and that he will one day wipe away every tear from our eyes. We can draw closer to God in our times of greatest need and testify to others about the hope that we have in Christ.

If you are currently going through a season of suffering, take heart. You are not alone, and your suffering is not without meaning. The God who loves you and cares for you is with you in your pain, and he will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).