Those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ are born again, receive the Holy Spirit, and are led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:17 states that this transformation makes them children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Being part of God’s family, we inherit what Jesus inherits: eternal life, spiritual blessings in the heavenly places, and, yes, suffering.
The mention of suffering often drains the excitement from our spiritual journey. Why is suffering necessary for Christians?
Here are six reasons why Christians suffer:
1. Suffering Stems from Sin
Suffering is a universal experience, affecting both Christians and non-Christians. It originated from humanity’s collective transgression against God in Adam, when Eve and he defied God. This marked the entrance of death and suffering into our world.
2. Our God Suffered
In the face of our trials and tribulations, it is essential to remember that we serve a God who understands our suffering. Jesus Christ, through His incarnation, teaches us that God is not a distant deity, but one who shares in our pain. On the cross, the Son of God suffered and bled for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). His sacrifice was not born out of obligation but out of immense love for humanity (Romans 5:8). As followers of Christ, we are called to remember this profound act of love and find comfort in the knowledge that our God is with us in our suffering (1 Peter 2:21).
3. Suffering Makes Us Christ-like
The path to becoming more like Christ is not free from obstacles. In fact, the opposite is true. It is through enduring hardship and suffering that we reflect His example and share in His glory (John 12:23-24). Our hardships are not punishments but part of our journey toward becoming more like Christ.
4. Suffering Refines Our Faith
Suffering is not only a test but also a tool for refining our faith. Like gold purified by fire, our faith becomes more valuable when tested by suffering. When we endure trials well, we receive praise, glory, and honor from Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7). This process of refinement deepens our faith and cultivates within us a resilient spirit that is unshaken by worldly troubles.
5. Comforting Others Through Our Suffering
God comforts us in our afflictions so that we can comfort others who are suffering (2 Corinthians 1:4). In this way, our suffering serves a higher purpose, extending beyond our personal growth to impact the lives of others positively.
6. Suffering Serve as a Witness
When we suffer, we experience God’s power and grace, and we show the world the reality of Jesus as He strengthens us. As stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Martin Luther once said, “God lays a cross on all believers in order that they may taste and prove the power of God.”
A False Gospel vs. The True Gospel
In an age where the prosperity gospel is gaining popularity, it is crucial to reiterate the biblical teaching on suffering. A gospel that cannot produce endurance in suffering is a false gospel. The health and wealth gospel is flawed because it tells people they shouldn’t be suffering. However, the Bible clearly states that Christians will endure suffering, and it’s a sign that they’re truly saved. The true gospel does not promise a life free of trials but offers the grace to endure them triumphantly.
The Apostle Paul, on his second missionary journey, made it clear that faith doesn’t promise a bed of roses. He reminded the early believers, “it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). This sentiment echoes throughout Christian theology. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” stated, “Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called on to suffer.”
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