Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life. Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV). The apostles also taught that believers should expect trials and persecutions (1 Peter 4:12-14; 2 Timothy 3:12). However, the Bible makes it clear that not all suffering is for Christ. Here is an overview of what the Scriptures teach about suffering as a follower of Christ:
Reasons for Suffering
The Bible gives several reasons why Christians suffer:
- Persecution for righteousness – Being mistreated because of commitment to Christ (Matthew 5:10-12). This type of suffering directly results from following Jesus.
- Discipline from God – Enduring trials to refine faith and obedience (Hebrews 12:7-11). This purifying suffering comes from the Lord’s loving hand.
- General troubles of humanity – Struggling with sickness, disasters, relationship issues that affect all people. These are not necessarily connected with being a Christian (1 Peter 5:9).
- Consequences of sin – Experiencing troubles that result from making poor choices. The Bible exhorts Christians to obey God and avoid these problems (1 Peter 4:15).
- Spiritual warfare – Facing opposition from demonic forces because of representing Christ (Ephesians 6:12). But Scripture says God limits enemy attacks (Job 1:12).
- Discipline from the church – Receiving correction from spiritual leaders for straying into sin (1 Corinthians 5:5). This disciplinary action is for the good of the individual and the church body.
- Suffering of Christ – Sharing in a measure of the persecutions Christ endured (Philippians 3:10). Part of taking up the cross and identifying with Jesus.
Is Suffering Necessary for Holiness?
Some Christians believe suffering is required to purify their faith and make them holy. But the Bible shows suffering can produce holiness, yet holiness does not necessarily require intense suffering:
- Suffering can refine faith – Hardships test and prove genuine faith in Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7). Struggles sanctify believers as they rely on God’s strength.
- God uses various means – The Lord conforms His people to Christ’s image through His word, Spirit, circumstances (Romans 8:29; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Severe trials are not the only means.
- Example of Job – Though Job endured great loss, his holiness was already established before his suffering began (Job 1:1).
- Blessings refine too – Biblical figures like Abraham and David grew in godliness in times when they were not intensely suffering. Obedience in prosperity sanctifies too.
While suffering can certainly produce Christ-like virtues such as patience, endurance and humility, intense suffering is not the only way believers mature in godliness. As author Jerry Bridges notes, “We never need adversity to become holy…the normal circumstances of life lived in dependence on God will shape us into the image of Christ.”
Should We Seek Suffering?
At times, Christians have taken Jesus’ call to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23) to mean we should seek out opportunities to suffer. However, the New Testament does not instruct believers to intentionally pursue suffering:
- Jesus endured the cross for us – Christ subjected Himself to extreme suffering to secure our salvation (Hebrews 12:2). We do not need to repeat His sacrifice.
- Accept suffering when it comes – Followers of Christ are to endure hardships and persecutions with joy when they inevitably come (James 1:2-4). But we are not told to intentionally bring difficulties on ourselves.
- Paul avoided suffering when possible – Though badly persecuted, Paul exercised his rights as a Roman citizen to avoid unjust suffering if he could do so legally (Acts 22:25; 25:11). He saw no value in needless pain.
- Not commanded to cause suffering – Self-imposed suffering through extreme ascetic practices is not commanded or modeled in Scripture. The apostle Paul specifically warns against false humility and neglect of the body (Colossians 2:18, 23).
As commentator R.C. Sproul explains, “We are called to take up our cross and follow Christ – not to cross paths with Christ in a masochistic attempt to suffer as He suffered.” Believers should accept hardship appointed by God without complaint, but not take extraordinary measures to bring difficulty on themselves.
Does Suffering Always Produce Growth?
Another common belief is that suffering automatically results in increased spiritual growth and maturity. But again, the Bible presents a more nuanced view:
- Growth requires a right response – How people respond to trials determines what fruit is produced. Faith, patience and wisdom grow when difficulties are faced with trust in God (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4).
- Bitterness can result – Hebrews 12:15 warns that failing to respond to discipline with repentance can cause roots of bitterness. Trials do not automatically produce growth.
- Testing can reveal character – Hard times reveal our true spiritual condition. Suffering does not necessarily build character, but exposes what is already there (Luke 8:13-14).
- Trials faced in faith – The trials which produce growth are those accompanied by prayer, faith in God’s goodness, and reliance on the Spirit’s strength. Not just any difficulty produces fruit.
Suffering only fulfills God’s purposes when His people respond in ways that align with Scripture. As John Piper observes, “These hardships do not automatically produce…righteousness. They produce brokenness and despair and anger and bitterness. Unless another note is struck.” That essential “other note” is striking faith in God’s sustaining grace.
Does Faithfulness Eliminate Suffering?
A further mistaken assumption is that if Christians fully obey God, they will avoid trials and persecution. In reality, faithfulness often leads to greater suffering:
- Examples of righteous sufferers – Many biblical saints who obeyed God were persecuted for their righteousness, including Abel, Joseph, Moses, and the prophets (Hebrews 11:36-38).
- Jesus’ obedience led to death – Though perfectly faithful to God, Jesus’ righteousness provoked hatred leading to the suffering of the cross (1 Peter 2:19-24). The world rejected Him.
- Greater devotion leads to greater trials – Moses chose to identify with his people despite the suffering it brought him (Hebrews 11:25-26). More commitment often means more pain.
- Persecution comes with maturity – Mature believers who effectively represent Christ often face increased hostility from the world (2 Timothy 3:12). Obedience leads to greater alignment with Jesus – including in suffering.
While righteous living can prevent certain consequences of sin, it will not fully eliminate persecution and trials. Sharing in Christ’s sufferings remains part of following Him faithfully in a fallen world.
Does Suffering Mean God Is Displeased?
When adversity enters the life of a Christian, some assume this must mean God is displeased with them and is expressing His anger through punishment. But Scripture offers other perspectives:
- Suffering can indicate God’s favor – Scripture says God disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). His gracious correction shows a Father’s care, not rejection.
- Not all suffering is from God’s hand – Illness, accidents, mistreatment and other troubles are often the result of living in a fallen world, not God’s specific discipline (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
- Pray for discernment – Believers should pray for wisdom to understand if difficulties are for discipline, growth in holiness, persecution, or other reasons. We cannot always know God’s purposes.
- Avoid false conclusions – Scripture warns against false guilt, assuming every hardship is judgment for some secret sin God is punishing (Luke 13:1-5). We cannot read God’s mind.
Though God sometimes uses suffering to correct sin and train righteousness, Christians err if they quickly assume every difficulty is proof of His anger. God promises to use all suffering for ultimate good (Romans 8:28), even when the reason for the pain remains a mystery.
Does Suffering Invalidate Faith?
When a Christian experiences intense adversity, doubts sometimes arise whether God is truly as loving and powerful as the Bible declares. But Scripture offers reassuring responses to suffering:
- God’s word remains true – The testimonies of Scripture are not invalidated because we unexpectedly face hardship in life (Psalm 119:140; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s character does not change.
- God relates to our suffering – Jesus faced incredible adversity to redeem us. He understands our pain and sustains us in it (Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 2:14-18). We suffer, but never alone.
- This life is not all there is – Our present sufferings are light compared to the eternal glory in Christ to come (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:18). Our hope extends beyond today.
- God will redeem suffering – All suffering will ultimately end in everlasting joy for believers when Christ returns. He will make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5).
- Walk by faith – When adversity strikes, we do not rely on feelings or visible circumstances. Through faith in God’s word, we can affirm His goodness despite our painful realities (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Though suffering often brings deep anguish, it need never shake our confidence in the truth of God’s word and unchanging character. We can maintain enduring hope by fixing our eyes on the eternal purposes and promises of God.
Finding Purpose in Suffering
One of the greatest challenges suffering poses to followers of Christ is discovering any redemptive purpose in hardship. Yet Scripture reveals how God uses adversity for our growth:
- Develops perseverance – Steadfastly enduring trials develops spiritual stamina, maturity and strength of character (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4).
- Teaches greater reliance on God – Suffering highlights our limitations, driving us to cast ourselves on the Lord’s mercy and strength (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).
- Allows us to comfort others – Those comforted by God in affliction can share that comfort with others in their struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
- Reveals what we treasure – Difficulties uncover where our hopes, security and priorities really rest – earthly things or Christ (Matthew 13:44-46).
- Conforms us to Jesus’ image – As believers share in Christ’s sufferings, they also share more deeply in His character of humility, obedience, compassion, etc. (Philippians 3:10).
- Brings greater eternal glory – Present afflictions produce an eternal weight of glory for those who suffer according to God’s will (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 4:13-14).
With spiritual wisdom and eternal perspective, Christians can see beyond the pain of present adversity to understand how a sovereign, loving God uses it for their ultimate good. Suffering produces abundant fruit when believers submit to God’s purposes with faith and patience.
Cautions for Those Who Suffer
Scripture not only offers hope but also warnings for those experiencing trials. Believers should avoid the following responses when encountering suffering:
- Don’t curse or accuse God – Afflicted saints should bless the Lord instead of charging Him foolishly (Job 1:20-22). Avoid questioning God’s wisdom, justice or love.
- Don’t take matters into your own hands – Attempting to free ourselves from adversity through dishonest, immoral or idolatrous means will only bring greater problems (Genesis 16:2). Wait on the Lord.
- Don’t give in to bitterness – Prevent roots of bitterness from springing up that defile and poison others as well (Hebrews 12:15; Acts 8:23).
- Don’t turn from the Lord – Even suffering intended for our good cannot profit us if we respond by hardening our hearts against God (Hebrews 12:5-6).
- Don’t lose hope – Scripture encourages those afflicted not to lose eternal perspective and become discouraged and hopeless (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Anchor hope in God’s promises.
- Don’t isolate yourself – The body of Christ is designed to bear burdens together. We are not meant to suffer alone (Galatians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
With the Spirit’s help, believers can respond to suffering with faith in God’s purposes rather than reacting with doubt, bitterness, or despair. Right responses to trials bring abundant fruit.
Conclusion
In summary, suffering is an expected companion in the Christ-centered life. Yet Scripture makes clear that not all adversity is directly because of following Jesus. Growth in holiness does not require intense suffering. Maturity is cultivated through daily fellowship with God even in times of blessing. When trials arrive, believers must guard their hearts, humbly accepting hardship without presumption or discouragement. By God’s grace, the testing of faith will reap an eternal harvest of righteousness and refined hope. Through temporary sufferings, Christ is conforming His people to share more deeply in the power of His resurrection.