Suffering

Scripture clearly attests to the reality of human suffering. It is a central element in the curse associated with the fall (Gen 3:16–19), and suffering will not end until the final elimination of pain and suffering when Christ fully inaugurates His kingdom, following His second coming (Rev 21:4). Suffering generally stems from the misuse of human freedom. It originated from Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey God’s command (Rom 5:12–14), and the consequences of their sin led not only to human suffering but also to suffering for all creation (Rom 8:18–22). Given the fall and people’s continuing sinfulness, suffering is an ordinary and expected condition of earthly life (Job 5:7; 14:1; Eccl 2:23; John 16:33).

Suffering is not purely pointless or gratuitous. The Bible sets suffering in a broader and higher context: suffering can be used for the will and purposes of a benevolent God. The Bible affirms that God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). It also identifies personal benefits of suffering, such as cultivating virtuous character (Rom 5:1–3; Jas 1:3–5). Though others may inflict suffering for their own evil purposes, and though suffering may befall us as people living in a fallen world, God can bring good from suffering nonetheless (Gen 50:20).

There is an ongoing tendency for fallen people, including the people of God, to freely choose disobedience and suffer as a consequence (Deut 30:15–20; Josh 24:19–28). God, in extreme circumstances, uses suffering as judgment on His covenant people and the sinfulness of other nations (Jer 30:14; Lam 1:5; Dan 9:16; Amos 1:3–2:3). This suffering is meant to turn people back to God and call on Him for deliverance (2 Chr 6:28–30; 20:9).

However, the Bible teaches that God shares in our suffering. The incarnation most clearly portrays this; Jesus takes on flesh and shares in all the vagaries of the human condition, even unto a brutal death on a cross (Heb 5:7–8; 12:2; Phil 2:7–8).

Suffering can also be used by God to transform us, especially when it is done for the sake of the gospel. In such cases, suffering serves as a mark of our identity as children of God (Heb 12:7) and the benefits outweigh the costs that arise from it (Heb 12:11; compare 2 Cor 4:17). Ultimately, the New Testament portrays suffering as an expression of our unity with Christ’s sufferings (Phil 3:10; Col 1:24), thereby advancing the cause of the gospel, both through the example of those who endure and through what it teaches the person who suffers.

God Himself feels pain. He is said to be grieved (Gen 5:6–7; Psa 78:40), moved to pity (Judg 2:18), and clearly wounded by the rejection of Israel (Ezek 16). God may freely choose a course of action that will entail His suffering—most notably His choice to persistently love and redeem His covenant people.

Though God works good purposes for people in this present age, the ultimate reconciliation and redemption of suffering await a future time. Peter’s exhortation for people to trust God their very life—even in the midst of suffering—points explicitly to the justice of God’s judgment upon Jesus’ return (1 Pet 2:23; compare Phil 2:8–11; Heb 12:8, 22–24). These verses indicate that there is an “already—not yet” aspect to the resolution of human suffering. Though Christ provides believers with strength for transforming suffering in the here and now, ultimate resolution of human suffering awaits His return. The resolution of suffering, mourning, and grieving is one of the repeated promises of God’s future blessing for His people (Isa 35:10; 51:11; 65:19; Rev 7:17; 21:4).

Richard C. Langer

Further Reading

Why a Good God Allows Suffering

Suffering CLBD

Suffering NDTHEO

Suffering ISBE