Suffering – Part 1: Is it inevitable?

I’ve been working on a document for a friend which examines the Scriptural perspective on suffering. I thought I’d share a few sections of it here…

Was Christ exempt from suffering?

No. In fact, it was through this that He achieved our redemption.

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. – Isaiah 53:3-4

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him – Hebrews 5:8-9

Did St. Paul endure hardship?

Yes. If the great Apostle was not exempt from tough times, why should we expect to be?

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. – 2 Corinthians 12:7

 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

Is trial and suffering inevitable?

Suffering in life is inevitable, particularly for one who tries to live the Christian life and to imitate Christ and become His disciple.

[Job’s] wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolishwoman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” – Job 2:9- 10

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. – 1 Peter 4:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted – 2 Timothy 3:12

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jon 16:33

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 2:3

Then [Paul and Banabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.  – Acts 14:21-22

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. – 1 Peter 2:21

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” – Luke 9:22-23

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you – John 15:17-19

Tomorrow I’ll post extracts from sections of the Bible which give us some idea as to the purpose which suffering can serve…

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4