What Does The Bible Say About Suffering? It is without doubt that many are wondering what the Bible says about suffering. It is with this in mind that we hereby make this piece of writing. Suffering is one of the topics in Christianity that is quite challenging to explain. Although challenging, it is not impossible. And we hope to demystify the process of suffering as a Christian. One might ask, “how can a loving God allow suffering to continue in a world that He created?” The topic of suffering is much more than a philosophical issue for those who have endured massive and intense suffering themselves. For such people, it is more of a deep-seated personal and emotional issue. This makes it important for us to learn what the Bible has to say about it.
As followers of Christ, we are not to perceive suffering the way the world does. Rather, we are to handle it in a way that pleases God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. God does all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). There is a purpose for God allowing us to experience suffering on Earth. Even in this suffering, He is doing everything for our good. Never doubt God’s ability to protect, guide, rescue, provide, bless, strengthen, encourage, and forgive those who belong to His Kingdom. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” That is, God is always in control. Even in the midst of suffering, do not doubt His faithfulness for He will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
In teaching how we should perceive, endure and deal with suffering, the Bible is startlingly realistic. The Bible goes to the extent of devoting an entire book that deals with the issue of suffering. This Biblical book revolves around the life of a man named Job. The first pages of the book presents a scene in Heaven that provides the reader with the background of Job’s suffering. We are told that Job suffered because God contested with Satan. According to the Bible, this contest was not known by Job and his friends. In ignorance, they tried to explain Job’s suffering without success, until Job finally rested in nothing but the faithfulness of God and the Hope of His Redemption. Diligently note that neither job nor his friends understood at the time the reasons for his suffering despite the fact that he was a Man of God (Faithful to God’s Commands).
The Bible further tells us that when Job is finally confronted to the Lord, Job maintains silence. One might think that Job’s silence trivialized the intense loss and pain that he had patiently endured. However, it was not the case. Remember that on a single day, Job lost all his children, livestock, wealth, and everything that brought joy to his human eyes. Job’s silent response was underscoring the importance of trusting God’s purposes in the midst of suffering, even when we do not actually know what those purposes are. Brethren, keep in mind that suffering, just like other human experiences, is directed and controlled by the sovereign wisdom of God that never fails. Even if we may never know the specific reason for our suffering, we must always trust in our sovereign God. He is the answer and solution to our suffering.
What does the Scriptures say about Suffering?
Apart from the story of Job, the Scriptures also point to the life and sufferings of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. We are told that Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. While serving as a slave in Egypt, he was indicted on false charges and thrown into prison. But because God was still on the Heavenly Throne, Joseph’s suffering led to his promotion as governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. After undergoing suffering, persecution, hatred, and rejection, Joseph is blessed and promoted by God to a position to make provision to the nations of the world during a great famine, including his own family and brothers who sold him into slavery.
The essence of Joseph’s story is found in his speech to his brothers as we can read from Genesis 50:19-21 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” In the same light, Romans 8:28 says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The Scripture also tells us how the Psalmist David endured suffering during his days. This suffering is reflected in many of his poems collected in the Book of Psalms.
David’s suffering
King David cries out in Psalm 22 as he says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry out by day but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.’”
Here, the issue of suffering remains a mystery to David. He wonders why God does not intervene to put and end to his suffering and pain. David perceives God as the Holy Enthroned One, the praise of Israel. The Almighty God dwells in Heaven where all things are good, where there is no weeping nor fear, talk less of hunger and hatred. David furthers his complains by saying that “dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”
Did God answer David?
Upon reading the questions and worries of David concerning human suffering, one is likely to ask whether God answered him. The answer is yes, many centuries later, David received the answers and solutions he was requesting from God. The Scriptures teach us that roughly one millennium later, a descendant of David was killed on the Cross at Calvary. On the Cross, Jesus Christ endured the suffering and shame of His forefather. His garments were divided among His enemies and He was stared at and derided. On the Cross, Jesus Christ uttered the words with which David opens Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” By so doing, Jesus Christ identified Himself with the suffering of David. Today, anyone who Believes, Sincerely Repents, and starts obeying the Teachings of Jesus Christ is saved from Eternal Suffering and given Eternal Life.
Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, and Perfect Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world is He in whom the fullness of God dwells. He lived on Earth as a human being and has endured thirst, hunger, temptation, nakedness, shame, persecution, rejection, mockery, betrayal, injustice, and death. All these qualify Him as One who fulfills the longing of Job: “If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot” (Job 9:33).
Ten (10) Biblical Facts About Suffering (Derived from the Bible verses about Suffering)
1. Suffering has several faces
It is normal for Christians to experience “many troubles” – mental, spiritual, physical, and/or emotional sufferings (Psalm 34:19). The basic truth in Christianity is that all Christians have or will suffer (John 16:33; Acts 14:22). Suffering is a Christian experience which you should not find strange. Remember how Apostle Paul experienced various faces of suffering (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). If Jesus Christ our master suffered, what more of us, His servants? However, there are times that we experience suffering because of our foolishness. Fools are setup to suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20), while lazy people are likely to go in hungry (Proverbs 19:15), and adulterers reap bad consequences (Proverbs 6:32). Although suffering can strike us as a result of sin, all creation, even the righteous, will groan under the weight of sin and suffering (Romans 8:20-22). It is only in Heaven that there is no pain, suffering, or grief (Revelation 21:4).
2. Suffering comes our way for a purpose
Behold, suffering is not without purpose. The Scriptures tell us that God uses circumstances to teach powerful lessons or accomplish His Perfect Will in our lives. Such was the case with Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Joseph’s suffering led to many people being rescued (Genesis 50:20). Hosea’s marriage to Gomar, an unfaithful woman, is another great example. Hosea’s marital suffering was as a result of God’s love for His people (Hosea 3:1). As Biblically-grounded believers, our sufferings should give us a reason to pray the more, fast the more, and praise God the more. In every situation that you find yourself, give thanks to God because He is in control. It is also important to understand here that there are times the God uses Earthly calamities as agents of change, calling for repentance (Luke 13:4-5).
3. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered
Jesus in the flesh experienced weariness, persecution, suffering, and other human weakness. Although tempted in the very way that humans are, He came out without sin. In the face of impeding suffering, Jesus maintained a mindset of “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus Christ said that His people will follow in His footsteps, and that would include suffering (John 15:20). Jesus Christ left us an example of how to suffer (1 Peter 2:19-21). Also, He said that all His followers who successfully endure suffering for His Name’s sake will be blessed above measure (Matthew 5:10-12). It was with this in mind that Apostle Paul deeply desired to share in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10). This point is highly supported by many Bible verses about suffering.
4. Suffering can be a battlefield for spiritual growth
There are some sufferings that come our way because of the battle for the believer’s allegiance, as it was the case of Job (Job 1:11-12). This Scripture makes us to understand that Job was not aware of the conversation between God and Satan that setup the battle which brought suffering in his life. Although Job agonize over the things he could not understand, he did not question God’s sovereignty (Job 10:2). Even today, Satan still visits believers in times of suffering, uncertainty, persecution, pain, or rejection, tempting them to doubt God’s sovereignty. When facing such, we should always trust in God just as Job did and God came to his aid (Job 2:9-10).
5. Suffering is mysterious and pervasive
Although the followers of Christ know only “in parts” (1 Corinthians 13:9), the origin of suffering is clear. Genesis 3 portrays Satan as the author of sin, and suffering came on mankind as a result of Adam’s sin. Because of Adam’s rebellion, the entire humanity has been stained by sin. That is, we all have sinful natures (Romans 5:12-21). Also note that people become sinners by choice (Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:8). We must understand that suffering because of sin is a tragic part of all human life. However, there is no trial that can separate the Christian from Christ’s love (Romans 8:35). David himself struggled withe the suffering of sin as we can read from Psalm 13:1 – “How long will you hide your face from me?” The truth is that sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
6. Suffering teaches us to seek and trust God because He is able
As children of God, our suffering should be one that teaches us to seek and trust Him the more. It was with an understanding of this that the Psalmist said his afflictions were good, because they made him more faithful and taught him God’s commands (Psalm 119:67, 71). As followers of Christ, we should learn to respond to suffering in godly ways. It is without doubt that all those who desire to live godly will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29). But even in the midst of persecution and rejection, believers are able to draw closer to God as they seek and find His ways (Matthew 5:10-11; 1 Peter 2:19-20). This is inline with the best Bible verses on suffering.
7. Suffering finds refuge in community
Galatians 6:2 teaches that Christians are meant to carry each other’s burdens. Likewise, the Church is meant to be a refuge for those who hurt, a place where those who suffer from all kinds of troubles can come for Divine and human help. Loving and helping those who are suffering is a godly act. It is a sign that God is in our midst (1 John 4:12). Remember that were there is genuine love, God is present. As you’ll learn from the Bible verses about suffering, helping does in suffering is a godly act.
8. Suffering matures and equips us for the advancement of God’s Kingdom
It is challenging to build a mature faith in the midst of extreme trials. But faith which was previously in place through the hearing of God’s word is strengthened and tested in the midst of trials. Lessons learned in the midst of suffering can equip a believer for future ministry work (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). God in His wisdom also uses suffering to help Christians bear more fruits (John 15:2). Perhaps you were not aware but suffering produces endurance, refined character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 5:10). Through suffering, God teaches His children the attitude of perseverance and makes them sensitive to others’ needs (James 1:2-4; Matthew 25:35-36).
9. Suffering prepares us for greater glory
It is rather unfortunate that we don’t like suffering and are always trying to avoid it. Apostle Paul points out that the Christian’s “light and momentary” troubles achieve for them greater joy and eternal glory that outweighs anything they will suffer (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). We can as well say that suffering for Jesus’ sake proves the believer’s faith. Always remember that the justified, sanctified believer will be glorified in Heaven. Suffering proves the genuineness of the Christian’s faith, and results in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-9).
10. Suffering can bring glory to God
There are times that God allows things that are undeserved – diseases and disabilities -to display His marvelous work. A good example of such is the healing of the man blind from birth (John 9:1-3). Upon restoring the man’s sight, Jesus Christ said to His disciples that the blindness was to show the marvelous works of God through his healing. Likewise, Lazarus’ sickness was “for the glory of God,” and Jesus would also received glory (John 11:1-4). Lazarus’ death gave Jesus the opportunity to encourage and boost the faith of His followers. Jesus said, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (John 11:40). In the same light, Apostle Paul’s suffering – his “thorn” in the flesh – tormented him, but he found in his human weakness an opportunity to boast of Christ’s power (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
What The Bible Says About Suffering
Psalm 34:19 – “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.“
Psalm 34:19 – “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
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.”
Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
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.”
1 Peter 3:14 – But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
1 Peter 4:1 – “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Suffering
Isaiah 53:4 – “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
Matthew 10:38 – “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
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.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Philippians 1:29 – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
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.””
Matthew 10:39 – “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
2 Corinthians 1:5 – “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”
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.”
1 Peter 2:21 – “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Suffering
Job 5:17 – “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Matthew 27:28-29 – “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 – “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
1 Peter 5:10 – “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.”
Acts 26:22-23 – “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
Luke 16:23-24 – “In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”
Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Suffering
James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Romans 8:18 – “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 5:3-5 – “More than that, 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.”
2 Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
Revelation 21:4 – “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.”
Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Suffering
Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”
Philippians 1:29 – “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,”
Romans 5:3-4 – “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”
2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”
1 Peter 4:12-19 – “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. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. …”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “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.”
Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Suffering
Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Peter 4:1 – “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,”
Romans 8:28-29 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.“
Isaiah 53:4 – “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Hebrews 2:10 – “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Colossians 1:24 – “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, 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,”
Isaiah 43:2 – “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.”
1 Peter 3:14 – “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,”
1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Matthew 5:10-12 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Romans 5:3 – “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,”
1 Peter 2:21 – “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Psalm 23:1-6 – “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ..”
2 Corinthians 1:5 – “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
2 Corinthians 12:7 – “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.”
Psalm 22:1-31 – “To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. …”
Psalm 119:71 – “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Deuteronomy 8:3 – “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Matthew 10:38 – “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Psalm 119:67 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.“
1 Peter 2:19 – “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Matthew 27:28-29 – “And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!””
Matthew 10:39 – “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
1 Peter 4:13 – “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
Job 1:20-21 – “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.””
1 Corinthians 2:9 – “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—”
1 Peter 4:12-13 – “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.”
John 9:1-3 – “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
Hebrews 12:11 – “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Psalm 119:50 – “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.“
Acts 5:41 – “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
Luke 14:27 – “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
1 Peter 4:12-16 – “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. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. …”
1 Peter 2:19-21 – “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,”
Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Romans 8:17-18 – “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
John 18:11 – So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 8:3 – “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,”
Acts 14:22 – “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
2 Timothy 1:8 – “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,”
John 15:19 – “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Matthew 10:22 – “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Romans 8:17 – “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Revelation 2:10 – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
1 Peter 4:16 – “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
1 Peter 3:17 – “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Genesis 3:15 – “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Acts 17:10-11 – “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – “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. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – “Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. …”
Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
John 9:2-3 – “And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
Psalm 34:20 – “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
James 1:2 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
Mark 13:13 – “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Hebrews 9:26 – “For then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.“
Matthew 26:39 – “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.””
Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Job 5:17 – “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”
Matthew 4:24 – “So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.”
Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Acts 26:22-23 – “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”
Matthew 16:21-23 – “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”“
2 Timothy 2:3 – “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Group 17 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
Revelation 1:1-20 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. …”
Group 18 – What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?
2 Corinthians 1:4-5 – “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. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
1 Peter 4:12 – “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.”
Hebrews 4:14-15 – “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
