SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

There are so many biblical texts that assert that persecution and suffering are normal for those who follow Christ (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 16:1-3; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:17; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 6:3-10; 11:23-30; Phil. 1:29; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).

Because of personal sin (temporal judgment). This does not imply that all problems and negative circumstances are a result of sin (cf. Job; Psalm 73; Luke 14:1-5; Nehemiah 9; John 9; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor. 11:29-30; Gal. 6:7).
To develop Christlikeness (Heb. 5:8). Even Jesus, humanly speaking, had to be matured, so too, His followers (cf. Rom. 5:3-4, 8:17-18,28-29; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Phil. 3:10; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 12:5-12; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:7).
To develop a powerful, effective witness (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-22; 1 Pet. 2:18-21, 3:13-17).
As a sign of the birth pains of the New Age (cf. Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:8).

Two books that have helped me deal with the unfairness and evil of this fallen world are Hannah Whithall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life and John W. Wenham, The Goodness of God.

Believers must remember that problems and suffering are not necessarily a sign of God's anger or rejection. Bad things happen to faithful followers in a fallen world (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12-19). God's promises and Christ's self-giving death are the signs of God's love (cf. Rom. 5:8). Scripture must take precedence over temporary circumstances!