Rejoicing in the midst of suffering?
“I often hear about believers being glad because of their suffering,” a questioner asked. Not at all glad, I say. Is that detrimental?
It’s acceptable for sufferers to feel depressed or melancholy. It is neither practical nor biblical to suggest that believers should always be joyful. When His companion Lazarus passed away, Jesus wept. (John 11:33–35; Romans 12:15), and Peter acknowledges in 1 Peter 1:6 that sorrow is a result of suffering. But there can also be celebration! When one realizes that it is an honor to suffer for Christ, joy frequently follows throughout hardship (1 Peter 3:12–18).
Is suffering punishment for my sin?
According to Galatians 6:7-8, suffering can occasionally serve as a penalty for sin. Suffering may serve as a catalyst for God’s call to us (Hebrews 12:3–12). Furthermore, suffering results from lawless behavior (Romans 13:4). We may even argue that suffering didn’t exist in the world until after the first sin was done. Wounds would not exist if there were no sins. However, according to 1 John 3:18–21 and 1 Peter 2:19, sin is not the main reason for suffering. Most of the time, it is the outcome of following Jesus in a world gone wrong. According to 1 Peter 3:12–18, suffering for Christ’s cause is even a privilege.
Persecution can help you reflect Christ’s image more
God uses hardships and persecution in at least five ways to further refine you into the image of Christ.
- God uses problems and persecution to DIRECT you. (Proverbs 20:30)
- God uses problems and persecution to INSPECT you. (James 1:2-3)
- God uses problems and persecution to CORRECT you. (Psalm 119:71-72)
- God uses problems and persecution to PROTECT you. (Genesis 50:20)
- God uses problems and persecution to PERFECT you. (Romans 5:3-4)
Go over these scripture passages with the help of the Holy Spirit to realize how your suffering can serve both your personal [faith growth] and the glory of God.
What is the purpose of my suffering? Can anything good come out of it?
Even though we frequently are unable to see the reason for pain, there are numerous biblical truths about the benefits that suffering offers.
- Our faith is validated and refined by suffering (1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:10; Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2–4).
- As demonstrated in Paul’s life, suffering consumes pride (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)
- Suffering makes our lives more holy (Hebrews 12:3-10)
- Suffering contributes to the spiritual strength of others (Philippians 1:14)
- Suffering accomplishes purposes unknown to us now (1 Corinthians 13:12)
- Suffering brings us together in unity (Acts 2:42-47)
- Often, suffering results in a larger harvest of souls (Acts 8:1-4).
- Suffering blesses us (Matthew 5:10-11)
- Suffering makes our true beliefs visible to others (James 1:2-3).
- Suffering points to the glory of heaven (Romans 8:17-18)
- People who suffer become a part of Jesus’ suffering (1 Peter 2:21–25; 4:13; Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10)
- Victory can arise from suffering. committed to God with faith. (2 Corinthians 8:37; 4 Corinthians 4:7–12)
