Suffering is a part of life, and the Bible acknowledges this fact.
In this article, we will explore twelve powerful Bible verses about suffering and what they teach us about finding comfort and hope in God during difficult times.
Additionally, we will recommend five Bible chapters to read if you want to learn more about suffering and how to respond to it.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that suffering is temporary, and God will one day bring an end to all pain and sorrow.
Bible verses about suffering
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about suffering:
1. Romans 8:18 – “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
3. James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
4. 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
5. Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
6. Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
7. Isaiah 53:3 – “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
8. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
9. Psalm 119:71 – “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
10. Romans 5:3-5 – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
11. Hebrews 12:11 – “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
12. 1 Peter 5:10 – “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
What does the Bible say about suffering?
The Bible acknowledges that suffering is a part of life and that it can serve a purpose in shaping and refining a person’s character.
It also teaches that suffering can be a result of sin and disobedience, but it can also be a result of living in a fallen world.
The Bible encourages believers to trust in God during times of suffering and to find comfort in His love and promises.
It also emphasizes the importance of caring for and supporting those who are suffering.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that suffering is temporary and that God will one day bring an end to all pain and sorrow.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about suffering?
1. Job – This book tells the story of a man who suffered greatly, losing his family, wealth, and health. It explores the question of why bad things happen to good people and how to respond to suffering.
2. Psalms 22 – This chapter is a lament of someone who is suffering and feeling abandoned by God. It expresses the pain and despair of suffering but also the hope and trust in God’s deliverance.
3. Isaiah 53 – This chapter prophesies about the suffering of the Messiah, who would bear the sins and sufferings of humanity. It shows that suffering can have a redemptive purpose and that God can bring good out of it.
4. Romans 8 – This chapter speaks about the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ, even in the midst of suffering. It affirms that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him.
5. 2 Corinthians 1 – This chapter speaks about the comfort that God provides to those who suffer. It shows that God is not distant from our pain but is present with us and can use our suffering to comfort others.
These chapters are relevant to suffering because they provide comfort, hope, and perspective on the nature of suffering. They show that suffering is a universal experience and that God is present with us in our pain. They also offer insights into how to respond to suffering and find meaning and purpose in it.
Ideas and concepts related to suffering that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Sin: Sin is the disobedience of God’s commands and is the root cause of suffering in the world. The Bible teaches that all humans have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, leading to suffering and death.
2. Redemption: Redemption is the act of being saved or rescued from the consequences of sin. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity from sin and suffering through his death and resurrection.
3. Faith: Faith is the belief in God’s promises and trust in his plan, even in the midst of suffering. The Bible teaches that faith can provide comfort and hope in times of suffering.
4. Grace: Grace is the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. The Bible teaches that God’s grace is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, even in the midst of suffering.
5. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for their wrongdoing. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is essential for healing and reconciliation, both in relationships and in the midst of suffering.
6. Compassion: Compassion is the feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others. The Bible teaches that God is compassionate towards his people and calls us to show compassion towards others who are suffering.
7. Perseverance: Perseverance is the ability to endure and persist in the face of adversity. The Bible teaches that perseverance is necessary for spiritual growth and can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love and faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering.
