The Bible has much to say about suffering, especially as it relates to followers of Christ and the church. Though suffering is often viewed negatively, Scripture shows how God can use it for good in the lives of believers. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical themes surrounding suffering and the church:
Suffering is promised for believers
Jesus told his disciples that suffering would be part of the Christian life. In John 16:33 he says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Paul also warns many times that believers will face persecution and hardship for following Christ (2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29, 1 Thessalonians 3:3). Though difficult, suffering can strengthen faith and refine character when believers endure it with God’s help.
God allows suffering to humble and refine
The Bible teaches that God uses suffering to humble his people and refine their faith. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes a “thorn in the flesh” allowed by God to keep him dependent on divine grace. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to see trials as an opportunity for spiritual growth and maturity. Suffering dispels self-reliance and reminds Christians that God is their strength and sustenance.
Jesus suffered to redeem mankind
A central message of Christianity is that Jesus, the Son of God, suffered crucifixion to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin. As Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” When believers suffer, they identify with Christ, following in his footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). His suffering secured eternal life for those who trust in him.
God comforts and carries believers in suffering
Though allowing difficulties, God also promises to be close to those who suffer. Psalm 34:18 says he is near to the brokenhearted. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 describes, God comforts believers in their afflictions, enabling them to comfort others. Believers can rejoice that nothing can separate them from God’s love, even in intense hardship (Romans 8:35-39). He gives strength and grace for each day.
Suffering produces godly virtues
While painful, suffering builds Christlike character in believers who respond correctly. Romans 5:3-4 says difficulties produce perseverance, character, and hope in Christians. As 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains, trials test and refine faith, more precious than gold. James 1:4 encourages believers to let testing develop perseverance and maturity. Though hard, godly virtues emerge in suffering believers committed to following Jesus.
Heaven ends all suffering
Scripture reassuringly describes how God will one day eliminate suffering for his people. Revelation 21:4 promises the end of death, mourning, crying, and pain in eternity with God. As Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Christians can look past present sufferings to the hope of undimmed joy forever with Jesus.
The church suffers persecution
From its beginning, the church has faced persecution for following Jesus. Acts 8:1-4 records intense persecution scattering the early Jerusalem church. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Paul details the sufferings he endured for the gospel. Many believers around the world today experience significant persecution. Jesus taught that hatred and oppression would come (John 15:18-25). But he also promised to build his church, against which even death’s power will not prevail (Matthew 16:18).
Suffering unifies and strengthens church community
As counterintuitive as it may seem, suffering can actually unify and fortify church communities who undergo it together. Paul frequently mentions affliction “brothers and sisters” faced together (1 Thessalonians 1:6, 3:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:4). Shared suffering provides opportunities to encourage and serve each other while expressing Christlike love in tangible ways (Hebrews 10:32-34). Visibly loving each other through trials also demonstrates the truth of the gospel to unbelievers.
Churches should help the suffering
Scripture calls churches to care for those who suffer within their fellowships. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul notes that if one member suffers, the others should share that burden and seek to meet needs arising from the difficulty. As Galatians 6:2 says believers should carry each other’s burdens. Churches can provide meals, childcare, counseling support, and help with other practical needs inflicted by a trial or loss.
Churches can learn through suffering
While painful, a church’s suffering can also create opportunities for discipleship and growth. Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 describe the spiritual benefits individual believers can experience. In a similar way, churches can also learn greater dependence on God, exercise stronger faith, improve pastoral care, and understand the Bible better through difficult experiences. Suffering forces churches to look beyond superficial Christianity to truly rely on God’s strength and sufficiency.
God is at work even in suffering
A crucial truth for churches to remember is that God remains sovereign even when they suffer or face persecution for serving him. As Romans 8:28 promises, he works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Believers can trust God to use suffering to ultimately accomplish his will. Though it may be difficult to see in the moment, in time God often reveals the purpose and benefits he produced through the church’s sufferings.
Suffering will end at Christ’s return
The Bible offers great hope that one day all suffering will cease when Jesus returns. Revelation 21:1-4 promises that at Christ’s second coming, God will create a new heaven and earth where there is no more death, mourning, pain, or tears. Believers’ present afflictions can’t compare to the eternal glory that awaits (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Romans 8:18). This future hope sustains churches as they faithfully endure persecution and hardship today.
In summary, Scripture offers rich insight into the purpose, character, and hope of suffering as it relates to Christ’s church. As believers walk closely with Jesus, they can trust him to use trials to produce maturity and godly character. One day the church’s suffering will give way to everlasting joy and reward in God’s presence.
