The Bible has a lot to say about affliction and suffering. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on this topic:
Affliction comes from living in a fallen world
Since Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world and corrupted God’s perfect creation (Genesis 3). Ever since then, affliction and suffering have been constant realities in this fallen world. All sickness, disease, natural disasters, relational brokenness and conflicts ultimately stem from the presence of sin in the world (Romans 5:12). As long as we live in a fallen creation, we will experience affliction in various forms.
Affliction is not necessarily caused by personal sin
While affliction exists because of the general fallen state of creation, the Bible emphasizes that suffering is not always directly tied to a person’s individual sins. When Job underwent tremendous affliction, his friends assumed he must have sinned greatly. But God declared that Job was “blameless and upright” (Job 1:8). Jesus pointed out a man blind from birth was not blind because of his own sin or his parents’ sin (John 9:3). Sometimes affliction is simply the result of living in a fallen, imperfect world.
God can use affliction for good purposes
Though the existence of affliction stems from sin, God is able to use suffering to accomplish good purposes in Christians’ lives. The supreme example of this is Jesus Christ, who suffered and died to atone for human sin (Isaiah 53:5). God may also use affliction to humble his people (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), develop their perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4), cause them to turn from sin and cling to him (Psalm 119:71), and enable them to comfort others going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Affliction can be incredibly painful, but God promises to use all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
God comforts his people in affliction
The Bible frequently speaks of God as close to the brokenhearted, binding up wounds, drying tears, and comforting his people in distress (Psalm 34:18, 147:3; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Though he allows affliction for wise purposes, God’s heart is to draw near to his children in their pain. Believers can come boldly to God’s throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). As a loving Father, God offers deep comfort, peace, and hope to sustain his people through affliction.
Deliverance from affliction comes through Christ
Ultimately, God does not intend for affliction to have the final word in his children’s lives. He provides the hope of eternity free of sickness, pain, and brokenness through Jesus Christ. At Christ’s second coming, he will usher in new heavens and a new earth with no more death, tears, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). As believers suffer affliction now, they can look forward to that coming day of no more pain and grief. Until then, Christ walks closely with his people through seasons of trial and distress.
Christians should help alleviate others’ affliction
Since God comforts and delivers people from affliction, the Bible calls on Christians to help alleviate affliction in a fallen world in whatever ways possible. Jesus set an example of compassionately healing sickness and alleviating human need. The Epistle of James says that pure religion includes looking after widows and orphans in their distress (James 1:27). Galatians 6:2 says to carry each other’s burdens. God calls his people to be his hands and feet in providing aid to the hurting and broken in the world.
Growth comes through persevering in affliction
The Bible often emphasizes the benefits and maturity that can come from enduring affliction with faith and perseverance. Romans 5:3-4 notes that perseverance produces character and hope. James says the testing of faith through trials will develop perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4). 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains that undergoing grief and trials will prove and purify our faith. Though painful, persevering through affliction by God’s strength allows Christians to grow in maturity and Christlike character.
Prayer is a refuge and weapon against affliction
Throughout the Psalms and the rest of Scripture, prayer is constantly portrayed as a source of comfort and strength in the midst of affliction. The book of James instructs those who are suffering to pray (James 5:13). Through prayer Christians can cry out to God for deliverance and strength, while also seeking him for answers and reasons behind the affliction, if any exist. Prayer allows believers to draw near to God’s presence where they find grace, mercy and help for pressing through hardship.
Affliction shows the value of faith in God
Experiencing affliction often forces Christians to decide if they truly trust God and believe his promises. It reveals whether their faith is genuine and deep-rooted. 1 Peter 1:6-7 notes that affliction tests and refines genuine faith. When believers cling to God and his faithfulness despite confusion over suffering, it demonstrates the reality and value of their faith. God uses affliction as a testing and purifying fire to separate genuine faith from counterfeit faith.
Hope and joy are still possible during affliction
The Bible does not teach that Christians should put on a happy face and pretend affliction does not hurt deeply. However, in the midst of pain, believers can still possess hope and even joy as they rely on God’s presence and promises. James says to consider it pure joy when encountering trials because of how God uses them for our maturity (James 1:2-4). Romans 15:13 prays that God would fill Christians with joy and hope despite the difficulties they face. God’s nearness provides strength to help believers endure affliction while still maintaining hope and joy.
Affliction is temporary, but eternity is forever
The Bible encourages believers undergoing affliction to keep an eternal perspective. Paul says our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Affliction is temporary and light, while eternity spent with God is eternal and weighty beyond comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). When believers feel overwhelmed by afflictions now, they can take courage knowing these trials are brief and insignificant compared with the joy ahead.
God will one day make all things right
A great hope and comfort for believers currently experiencing affliction is knowing that one day God will set everything right. There will come a day when God wipes away every tear and makes all things new (Revelation 21:4-5). Jesus reminds his followers that he will return to establish his perfect kingdom (John 14:3). Living with this hope empowers Christians to endure affliction now while looking forward to God’s restoration of all things according to his perfect will in eternity. Until that day comes, believers live in the hope of all wrongs being made right.
In summary, the Bible speaks extensively to the topic of affliction, its existence due to the fallen world, and God’s purposes, comfort, and hope for believers who suffer. Christians are called to faithfully walk through trials, sustained by God’s Spirit, while looking towards the coming day of eternity when affliction will be no more.
