What the Bible Says About Suffering

What does the Bible say about suffering? This is something all humans have in common, we all go  through trial and tribulation in our lives. This was a promise that Jesus gave us in the Gospels and specifically in John 16:33 where He said you will have tribulation in this world. Many people think that when they become a Christian, all the hardships are over with, but this is a mistaken belief, it rains on the just and the unjust, we will face adversity, problems and hardships in this life time, it is a promise from our Lord.

1. Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit who has been given to us.”
   • This passage teaches that suffering is not pointless but serves to develop important virtues like perseverance, character, and hope, which are foundational for spiritual growth.
2. James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
   • James encourages believers to view trials as opportunities to grow in faith and steadfastness.
3. 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
   • Peter reminds Christians that suffering is part of their fellowship with Christ and that joy comes from knowing it leads to experiencing God’s glory.
4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
   • This verse highlights God’s role as a comforter during times of suffering and how our experiences equip us to empathize with and comfort others.
5. Psalm 34:17-18 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
   • Here, the Psalmist conveys God’s attentiveness and deliverance for the suffering and distressed, emphasizing His nearness in times of heartbreak.
6. Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
   • Paul puts suffering into an eternal perspective, suggesting that present difficulties pale in comparison to the future glory believers will experience.
7. 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
   • Paul describes current afflictions as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory they are producing, giving a long-term view of suffering.
8. Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
   • Paul expresses a desire to share in the sufferings of Christ as a pathway to becoming more like Him and experiencing the power of His resurrection.
9. Job 1:20-21 – “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’”
   • In his immense suffering, Job shows profound trust in God’s sovereignty, praising Him despite personal losses.
10. Psalm 119:50 – “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
    • The Psalmist finds comfort in suffering through clinging to the promises of God, which are life-sustaining.
11. 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
    • Peter assures believers that God will restore, strengthen, and establish them after suffering, highlighting the temporary nature of our trials compared to God’s eternal grace.
12. Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
    • Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are experiencing sorrow, promising divine comfort.
13. John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
    • Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of suffering but offers peace and courage, reminding believers of His victory over the world.
14. Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
    • This prophecy about Jesus highlights His familiarity with suffering, showing that He truly understands human pain and sorrow.
15. Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
    • This verse offers a vision of a future where suffering is completely eradicated, providing ultimate hope for those in distress.

These verses together offer a sound biblical perspective on suffering, pointing out its purpose, the comfort available through God, and the ultimate hope of relief and restoration.