Suffering Develops People
Suffering is a training ground for eternity. Suffering contributes to people’s development so that they can live better lives.
What does the Bible say about how suffering can develop us for eternity? -
- Confident in hope - Romans 5v2-5
- Empathy Developed - 2Corinthians 1v3-7
- Sufferers Blessed - Matthew 5v3-11
- Suffering Challenges - 2Corinthians 12v7-10
- Eternal Glory - 2Corinthians 4v16-18
Confident in hope
Romans 5v2-5
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What do troubles and trials develop in us?
- How should we relate with God for trials to produce this effect?
Thoughts to consider
The Lord uses the trials that come into our lives to develop our character and spirituality, especially in terms of dependence on the Lord.
Empathy Developed
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does the Lord respond to our troubles?
- How can we pass on what the Lord has done for us?
Thoughts to consider
Jesus himself suffered in many ways and received comfort from his Father in heaven. He is able to pass on that comfort to us and we in turn will comfort others whom we know and are suffering.
Sufferers Blessed
Matthew 5v3-11
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does God do for those who recognise their vulnerable state?
- How can we learn to depend on God when we are suffering?
Thoughts to consider
Suffering brings weakness and difficulty. Many try to fight their way through it. The Lord encourages us to learn to depend on him and walk the humble path that he walked.
Suffering Challenges
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
... to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Our weaknesses keep us from becoming proud. How can we learn to depend on God when humbled?
- What do you need to do in weakness to discover God’s strength?
Thoughts to consider
The Lord knows what kind of weakness and trouble and persecution will develop us. He permits these things into our lives so that through them we will learn to be more like him, for Jesus suffered at the hands of wicked people and yet went through to glory.
Eternal Glory
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What awaits those who have learnt to depend on God through suffering?
- How can this hope help you through challenging times?
Thoughts to consider
When we suffer well there is an eternal reward for us. God is good. We will at some point reap a harvest for having walked with him and learnt from him through suffering. The pain of suffering is still there, it hurts. The hope is that God will make it worth it in eternity.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- What aspects of development do you see coming through suffering?
- How can the Lord’s presence help you to go through suffering?
Thoughts to consider
As someone said, faith does not stop the injections hurting. Suffering is not made lesser by faith. What does help is that God is with us and that he cares. He brings comfort. It is good to learn to lean on him.
