What Does The Bible Say About Pain And Suffering

(31 Verses Explained)

Rev. Sherrell L. Byrd, Jr., Pastor-Teacher 

 

 

Pain and suffering are parts of life that everyone experiences at some point. Whether it’s physical pain, emotional heartache, or difficult situations, we all face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Many people wonder why God allows these tough times and what the Bible teaches us about them. Understanding these lessons can help us find comfort and hope when we’re hurting.

Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about pain and suffering. We’ll explore how God sees our struggles, what He wants us to learn, and how we can find strength during hard times. Let’s uncover the message of hope and love that can shine through our pain.

Romans 5:3-4

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

This passage teaches us that pain leads to perseverance. It’s a reminder that through our struggles, God is molding our character and instilling a sense of hope in us. Embracing pain as part of our growth allows us to develop resilience and become stronger individuals in our faith walk. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

James encourages us to view our trials joyfully. This perspective turns our struggles into opportunities for growth. Our faith is tested through our experiences, leading us to maturity and completeness in Christ. We must see our pain as a path for developing our spiritual strength. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is characterized as our comforter during challenging times. He allows us to experience pain so we can help others going through similar situations. Our suffering can create a community of support, as we learn to share God’s comfort with those in need. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hebrews 12:11

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11

This verse powerfully conveys that discipline and suffering may be unpleasant, yet they yield long-term benefits. The harvest of righteousness signifies the positive outcomes that follow our trials, shaping us into who God intends us to be. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Peter 5:10

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

 

Peter reassures us that our suffering is temporary. God promises restoration and strength after hardship. As we endure through our pain, we can hold on to the hope of His faithfulness in renewing us, both spiritually and emotionally. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finding Strength in God

Through life’s pain and struggles, we often search for strength. As believers, we are reminded that our strength comes from God alone. He encourages us to lean on Him during our weakest moments and draws us close to His love. By trusting in His presence, we can find the inner strength needed to face everyday challenges. God’s support provides us comfort and assurance that we are never alone in our journeys. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

This verse centers on the source of our strength, which is Christ. When we rely on Him, we find that we can overcome any obstacle we face, including pain and suffering. We draw from His power to persevere, showing us that God is present in every moment. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Isaiah 40:29

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29

God offers renewed strength to those who are weary. We can experience His uplifting presence as we encounter the challenges of life. When we feel drained, He reminds us of our reliance on Him, restoring our energy and hope. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

This psalm reassures us of God’s immediate presence during our trials. Knowing He is our refuge provides comfort, allowing us to find safety in His arms. We can trust that God is always there to lend His strength when we need it most. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

God fills us with a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Instead of succumbing to fear during our times of suffering, we are empowered to rise above our circumstances, knowing that we have His help to endure the trials we face. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Psalms 138:3

“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” – Psalms 138:3

This verse highlights the assurance that when we turn to God in our pain, He answers us. His response is one of empowerment. We find courage in calling on Him, and He lifts us during our struggles, giving us the boldness to face life. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus’ Suffering and Our Own

Christ’s suffering serves as a powerful reminder of how we can endure through pain and trials. Through His own struggles, we see that He understands our pain and experiences. Jesus showed us how to respond to suffering with faith and love, encouraging us to take up our cross and follow Him. By reflecting on His example, we can find inspiration and strength to navigate through our own hardships.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

This verse is a profound reminder of the depth of Jesus’ suffering on our behalf. His pain brought us healing, and as we endure our own suffering, we can find hope in knowing that He understands and heals us through it. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 27:46

“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” – Matthew 27:46

In this moment, Jesus expressed the feeling of abandonment as He faced immense suffering. It emphasizes that even He experienced deep pain, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus understands our heartaches and walks with us through them.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Jesus reassures us that challenges are a part of life, but His victory gives us peace. We can face our pain with courage because He has overcome not just the world, but our suffering too. His strength is our source of hope amidst trials. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

This invitation from Jesus calls us to bring our pain and burdens to Him. In doing so, we find rest for our souls. His compassionate heart desires to relieve our struggles, allowing us to lean into His love and grace.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Peter 2:21

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

This verse encourages us to look to Jesus as our ultimate example during suffering. As we reflect on His journey, we learn how to respond to pain with love and obedience. This enables us to endure and follow His path through our own trials.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comforting Others Through Our Pain

As we experience pain and suffering in our lives, we gain the insight necessary to uplift and encourage others. Our struggles empower us to offer comfort and empathy to those enduring their challenges. Through shared experiences, we can become valuable supporters and allies for our friends and family, illustrating God’s love and grace during difficult times. By seeing our suffering as a way to connect with others, we can impact their lives in profound ways.  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another. When we share our burdens, we reflect Christ’s love and compassion. By leaning on each other through our pain, we embody His teachings and fulfill His purpose for our lives.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 1:6

“If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.” – 2 Corinthians 1:6

Here, Paul reminds us that our own distress can lead to the comfort of others. By finding solace in God, we can encourage those facing similar hardships, reinforcing the idea that our wounds create a connection for healing and strength.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

This beatitude speaks to the promise of comfort for those that mourn. Understanding our own grief allows us to serve others who are struggling. We can provide a listening ear and a compassionate heart to those dealing with pain, knowing they, too, will find confidence in God’s comfort.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Romans 15:1

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1

This verse highlights the call for us to support those who are weaker or in pain. By contributing our strength, we provide comfort to others, fulfilling our Christian duty to love and serve those in need. Compassion builds a sense of community that honors God.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Here, we are reminded to actively encourage one another in our struggles. As we navigate through pain, we can uplift one another, sharing the love of Christ. Supporting each other strengthens bonds within our community and reflects God’s love for us.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Hope Beyond Pain

In our darkest moments, we should always remember that there is hope beyond pain. The Bible teaches us that our suffering is temporary and that glorious promises await us in Christ. By holding firm to our faith and focusing on what lies ahead, we can find peace and encouragement. Death and suffering do not define our reality; instead, we look to God’s promises for comfort and assurance of His love.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Revelation 21:4

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

This beautiful promise casts light on the future joy that awaits us. God will bring an end to all pain and suffering, reassuring us that our struggles are temporary. As we endure present trials, we anticipate a day of healing and restoration.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Romans 8:18

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

Paul reminds us that our current hardships pale in comparison to the glorious future awaiting us in Christ. This perspective encourages us to keep our focus on the hope beyond pain, providing motivation to persevere through today’s struggles.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Psalm 30:5

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

This verse offers reassurance that pain is temporary. We can find strength in knowing that joy comes after sorrow. God’s favor shines through our darkest nights, reminding us that hope and rejoicing will ultimately follow our suffering.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

This passage encourages us to view our present troubles as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory to come. By focusing on the unseen, we find hope that sustains us through our pain, shining a light on the eternal promise of God.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Peter 5:4

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” – 1 Peter 5:4

This promise speaks of the reward that awaits us. Our pain and suffering are not in vain; we work toward receiving an everlasting crown in heaven. Anticipating this hope can strengthen us as we face life’s trials.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the topic of pain and suffering, we can take comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for our struggles. He provides the strength we need to get through difficult times and reminds us that we are never alone. Through His promises, we find hope beyond our pain and an assurance of His love.

We have the wonderful opportunity to support others during their hardships, sharing the comfort we receive from God. By doing this, we grow stronger together as a community, reflecting Christ’s love to those around us. Let us hold onto the hope of healing and restoration, trusting that our suffering has a purpose in God’s great plan.  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Suffering Really Matters

While we have the honor of proclaiming the greatness of our God to the universe, sometimes we feel too broken or weak to care. Suffering has worn us down, and we need the comfort of Christ’s love, knowing he has engraved our name on the palms of his nail-scarred hands (Isaiah 49:16). He is tenderly watching over us.

“The angels and demons learn about God through watching us respond to affliction.”

Jesus knows when we sit and when we rise, knows our every thought and every word even before we speak it (Psalm 139:1–4). He sees our silent suffering, is drawing near to us in it, and is ever interceding for us (Romans 8:34). He is praying for us to persevere through the pain, making sure our faith will not fail. He is with us always (Matthew 28:20), and as we are faithful unto death, we may see Jesus standing in heaven to welcome us (Acts 7:55).

In heaven, we will receive a reward for our faithfulness. A reward tied to what we’ve endured, since we are assured our suffering on earth is producing something, preparing for us an unimaginable weight of glory that we will one day experience (2 Corinthians 4:17).

So, don’t believe the lie that your suffering doesn’t matter, that no one is watching, and that there’s no point to your faithfulness. While it may seem like you’re suffering alone in a dark room, you’re actually on an enormous stage with innumerable eyewitnesses. And the stakes are higher than you think. So press on. Fight with joy. Remain faithful. Our lives are on display.

 

 

 

 

Bible 101About the Bible

6 Bible Study Methods You Need to Know (and Try)

 

What is the goal or purpose of Bible study? While there are a number of different ways to say it they all boil down to this: We study the Bible to discover the intended meaning of a passage of Scripture and apply it to our lives today.

It’s simple, but also not.

The “simple” is that we have a clear purpose. The “not” is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting there. That’s why different Bible study methods exist. 

What Is a Bible Study Method?

A Bible study method is a framework that helps us understand and apply Scripture to our lives. Every method shares certain characteristics. They all incorporate observation, interpretation, application, and personal reflection. They all also place a different emphasis on one or another. Here are 6 methods we recommend:

• The Inductive Method
• The SOAP Method
• The TEXT Method
• The Verse-Mapping Method
• The Topical Study Method
• The Character Study Method

In addition to the methods listed here, you can also try using a Study Bible to help walk you through difficult passages and discover hidden meanings.

The “simple” is that we have a clear purpose. The “not” is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting there. That’s why different Bible study methods exist. 

What Is a Bible Study Method?

A Bible study method is a framework that helps us understand and apply Scripture to our lives. Every method shares certain characteristics. They all incorporate observation, interpretation, application, and personal reflection. They all also place a different emphasis on one or another. Here are 6 methods we recommend:

• The Inductive Method
• The SOAP Method
• The TEXT Method
• The Verse-Mapping Method
• The Topical Study Method
• The Character Study Method

In addition to the methods listed here, you can also try using a Study Bible to help walk you through difficult passages and discover hidden meanings.

The Inductive Method

The Inductive Bible Study Method is a process by which you make observations of a passage and draw conclusions from those observations. The questions at the heart of this approach typically follow the five Ws (and one H) approach many of us learned in elementary school:

• Who (who is speaking; who is the intended audience; who is present in the moment, etc.)
• What (what is this passage about; what problem is this addressing; what is happening; what is being said; what commands need to be obeyed, etc.)
• When (when is this event taking place?)
• Where (where is this event taking place, where does it fit in the larger context of the book and Scripture?)
• Why (why is this message needed, why is it relevant today?)
• How (how does this change what I know about God and humanity; how do I apply this to my life so that I can live more faithfully as a follower of Jesus?)

Many popular Bible study methods are variations of this tried-and-true approach (including many on this list). It’s also important to note that an inductive Bible study doesn’t require asking all of these types of questions every time. All you need are the passages that help you to best understand the meaning of the message and apply it.

The SOAP Method

The SOAP Method is a proven and effective approach to Bible study built on four practices:

• Scripture, reading a passage and writing out 1­–2 specific verses by hand.
• Observation, asking questions of the text (who, what, where, when, how).
• Application, considering how you should respond to what you’ve read.
• Prayer, thanking God for what he’s shown you, and for his empowerment as you seek to live faithfully in light of what you’ve discovered in your time in the Word.

This method is at the heart of the Love God Greatly Bible. And best of all, SOAP can be used in in a verse-by-verse progression or in a topical study.

The TEXT Method

The TEXT Method is an accessible and memorable Bible study approach using four steps:

• Talk to God in prayer before you read.
• Encounter God and humanity in Scripture as you reflect on two simple questions: what does this passage say about God, and what does it say about humanity?
• eXamine your heart, considering what needs to be confessed, added, taken away, or maintained as a follower of Jesus.
• Talk to God and others, thanking God for what he has shown you in Scripture, and sharing what he’s shown you with someone else.

This method was introduced in The TEXT, a Bible designed for teens, young adults, and new believers, and can be practiced in a verse-by-verse or topical approach.

The Verse-Mapping Method

The verse-mapping method of Bible study allows you to study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse in the Bible. After choosing a verse (or verses) to study, do the following:

• Write out your chosen verse(s).
• Write them in at least two other translations (remember, you can read a verse in multiple translations using Bible Gateway’s free tools).
• Circle keywords to look up in the original languages and write down the definitions, synonyms, and root words.
• Explore the meaning and message of the verse or verses as you consider the people, places, and context involved, and make connections to other relevant passages and concepts in Scripture (the cross references in your Bible are ideally suited for this).
• Write a 1–2 sentence summary of what you learned and consider how you can apply it.

The Topical Bible Study Method

As the name suggests, this method helps you to explore in-depth a specific topic or concept within Scripture. To put this method into practice, follow the following steps:

• Choose a topic you want to explore, perhaps a theological concept or aspect of how we’re meant to live as God’s people.
• Look up references to this topic (an exhaustive concordance is a helpful tool for this).
• Choose the verses you wish to study.
• Ask questions about the topic.
• Read the verses and see how they address your questions.
• Summarize your conclusions.
• Write out your application.

The Character Study method

Similar to a topical study, this method focuses on a specific biblical character to learn about how God worked in and through that individual and apply what we discover to our lives. Character studies involve the following steps:

• Choose the biblical character you want to study.
• Find the relevant passages about him or her.
• Read your passages, and consult additional Bible study tools like Bible dictionaries, to learn everything you can about this character (the trustworthy questions who, what, when, where, and how will serve you well here).
• Find the application points for your life.

Many Bible Study Methods to Reach One Truth

These different Bible study methods all share the same goal: they are designed to help you better understand and live out the truth of God’s Word. Try them all and see how they help you to know, love, and obey God daily.  

 

 

 

 

INSPIRATIONAL POEMS BY MARK

 

" IT IS MUSIC TO HIS EARS "

A song in your heart

Is what God wants to hear,

No matter how you sound

It is music to His ears.

 

You may be off key

But that is alright,

When you sing to the Lord

Everything is just right.

 

Give Him all the glory

Sing praises to Him,

The joy that He will see

Is that you are singing to Him.

 

And when our Lord is happy

The light will shine on you,

Always sing to the Lord

Is one of many things to do.

 

Believe in the words you sing

And sing with all your heart,

Emotions will stir within

When you truly sing from your heart.

 

Stretch your arms to Him

And look toward Heaven on high,

Tears of joy will fall

The Lord will hear your cries.

 

So have a song in your heart

And thank the Lord today,

Any song you sing to Him

Will always make its way.

 

So do what you have to do

To the one you love so dear,

As you sing to the Lord, our Savior

It is music to His ears.

© 2021  Mark Jung