A Brief Look at Some Scriputures on Suffering

Old Testament

1. Genesis 3:16-19
   
   • Context: The Fall of Man
   • Summary: Suffering and toil are introduced as consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
2. Job 1-2
   
   • Context: The Story of Job
   • Summary: Job’s suffering is allowed by God to test his righteousness, despite Job being blameless and upright.
3. Psalm 22
   
   • Context: A Psalm of David
   • Summary: David expresses feelings of abandonment and suffering, yet still trusts in God’s deliverance.
4. Psalm 73
   
   • Context: A Psalm of Asaph
   • Summary: The psalmist grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, but concludes that God ultimately brings justice.
5. Isaiah 53
   
   • Context: The Suffering Servant
   • Summary: This passage describes a servant who suffers for the sins of others, often interpreted by Christians as a prophecy about Jesus Christ.
6. Lamentations 3:19-33
   
   • Context: A lament over Jerusalem’s suffering
   • Summary: Despite intense suffering, the writer affirms that God’s compassion is renewed every morning.
7. Proverbs 3:11-12
   
   • Context: Wisdom Literature
   • Summary: Suffering is seen as discipline from the Lord, given out of love to correct and guide His children.

New Testament

1. Matthew 5:10-12
   
   • Context: The Beatitudes
   • Summary: Jesus teaches that those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake are blessed and will be rewarded in heaven.
2. John 9:1-3
   
   • Context: Healing of the Blind Man
   • Summary: Jesus explains that the man’s blindness was not due to sin, but so that God’s works might be displayed in him.
3. Romans 5:3-5
   
   • Context: Paul’s Letter to the Romans
   • Summary: Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, and God’s love is poured out into our hearts.
4. Romans 8:18-28
   
   • Context: Suffering and Future Glory
   • Summary: Paul speaks of the present sufferings as not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. God works all things for good for those who love Him.
5. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
   
   • Context: Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians
   • Summary: Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
6. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
   
   • Context: Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
   • Summary: Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” given to him to keep him humble. God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness.
7. Hebrews 12:5-11
   
   • Context: Discipline and Suffering
   • Summary: Suffering is likened to God’s discipline, which is meant to train us and produce a harvest of righteousness.
8. James 1:2-4
   
   • Context: Trials and Temptations
   • Summary: James encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance.
9. 1 Peter 4:12-19
   
   • Context: Suffering for Being a Christian
   • Summary: Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by suffering but to rejoice as they participate in Christ’s sufferings.