Border management raises concerns
Suffering is a very complex topic. It's inherently part of the human experience, but how can it be justified? Well, according to the Bible, it all started with Adam and Eve. But of course, there is a lot more to it, and the holy book offers some clues about why we suffer, how we suffer, and what God's role is in all of this.
Curious? Click through the gallery and discover what the Bible has to say about suffering.
According to Genesis 3, suffering first began as a result of Adam’s sin.
The many faces of suffering is something the Bible mentions. But no matter which type of suffering is in question, “the Lord delivers him from them all,” reads Psalm 34:19.
Paul the Apostle also mentions different types of suffering and how Christ went through the same as so will we. Corinthians 4:8 reads: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Suffering is part of being human, and Christians are no exception. "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," says Jesus in John 16:33.
The Bible tells us that some choices can indeed lead us to suffering. This includes hanging out with fools (Proverbs 13:20), committing adultery (Proverbs 6:32), and being lazy (Proverbs 19:15)
In 1 Peter 5:10, we find a soothing message about this: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
You might be suffering now, but the day of reward will come to those who trust God, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
There are some passages in the Bible that tell us that suffering is not random. For instance, Genesis 37 and 50:20 tell us that Joseph’s suffering (who was sold into slavery by his brothers) led to the rescue of many people.
According to John 15:20, Jesus told his people, “A servant is not greater than his master. ]If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
This is further mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:12, which reads: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Jesus gives us an example of how best to suffer. “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19-21)
The Bible advises you to trust in God in times of suffering, and he will be there for you. 1 Peter 5:10 says that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Romans 5:3-5 is one of the most inspirational Bible passages when it comes to dealing with suffering and the positive sides of it.
The verse reads: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
The Bible tells us that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
We may suffer now but will reap the rewards later. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Loving Jesus and suffering go hand in hand, according to Philippians 1:29. It reads: “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”
The Bible tells us that God comforts us in times of affliction. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Galatians 6:2 tells us that together we are stronger. Being there for each other is really important to “fulfill the law of Christ.”
Nothing should separate us from the love of God. Not even suffering. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or clothlessness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:35)
Jesus suffered for our sins, so we should be able to do the same. “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.”
The Bible tells us that if you “suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.” (1 Peter 3:14).
While we may suffer, we will also find comfort in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:5 says, “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
The Bible tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-14)
In 1 Peter 4:16, we read that we ought to share Christ's sufferings and that "if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
The Bible says that trusting in God is important when facing challenges and going through tough times. God tells us, “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2).
Rejoicing in one’s sufferings for Christ’s sake is what Colossians 1:24 tells us to do. It adds “and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”
Suffering transforms us and prepares us for the glory of God, according to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Sources: (Open Bible) (Christianity.com) (Bible Study Tools)
See also: What does the Bible say about money?
How does the Bible explain suffering?
The holy book's take on this difficult topic
LIFESTYLE Religion
Suffering is a very complex topic. It's inherently part of the human experience, but how can it be justified? Well, according to the Bible, it all started with Adam and Eve. But of course, there is a lot more to it, and the holy book offers some clues about why we suffer, how we suffer, and what God's role is in all of this.
Curious? Click through the gallery and discover what the Bible has to say about suffering.