Biblical Answer

The Question of Suffering: Why Must I Suffer So?

The question of suffering is a universal and age-old inquiry. Many people struggle to understand why they must suffer, and it is a question that even believers in God often ask. The Bible is not silent on this issue, and in fact, it provides several insights that can help us understand the purpose and meaning of suffering. One reason we suffer is that it is a consequence of living in a fallen world. As the Bible teaches, the world is a place of suffering and pain due to the effects of sin (Romans 8:22-23). However, this does not mean that God is the cause of our suffering. Rather, He is the one who allows us to experience the consequences of sin in order to bring us to repentance and salvation.

Another reason we suffer is that it is a means of spiritual growth and maturity. The Bible teaches that we must suffer with Christ in order to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:17). This suffering is not just a matter of external circumstances, but also of internal spiritual struggles. When we suffer, it can be a painful and humbling experience, but it can also be a time of great spiritual growth and development. As the Bible teaches, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). This is not to say that suffering is enjoyable or desirable, but rather that it can be a means of spiritual growth and maturity.

Ultimately, the question of suffering is not just about why we must suffer, but about how we respond to suffering. The Bible teaches that we should respond to suffering with faith, trust, and obedience. We should trust that God is sovereign and in control, even when we do not understand why we must suffer. We should also trust that God is working all things together for our good, even in the midst of suffering (Romans 8:28). As the Bible teaches, "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as his child" (Hebrews 12:6). This means that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and maturity, and can ultimately lead to a deeper relationship with God. Therefore, even in the midst of suffering, we can find hope and joy in the promise of God's sovereignty and love.