Pain and suffering are an unavoidable part of the human experience. At some point in life, every person will encounter physical pain due to illness, injury, or aging. Followers of Jesus are not exempt from this. The Bible acknowledges that Christians will face trials and afflictions in this world. However, scripture also offers hope and perspective on how to respond to pain and find comfort in God. This article will explore what the Bible teaches about physical suffering, reasons for it, and the Christian response.
The Reality of Physical Pain
The Bible is realistic about the inevitability of suffering. In Job 5:7, Eliphaz asks rhetorically, “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” Ecclesiastes 2:23 bluntly states, “All their days their work is grief and pain.” Jesus told his disciples they would face trials, saying “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). The apostle Paul called his debilitating physical affliction a “thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Scripture makes it clear that as long as we are living in a fallen, sin-tainted world, we will experience pain. Disease, injury, and the effects of aging on the body are part of the human condition. Followers of Christ should expect to encounter various physical hardships.
Reasons for Suffering
Why does God allow pain and hardship for those who belong to him? Scripture offers several explanations:
The General Curse of Sin
When Adam and Eve sinned, a curse came upon the earth (Genesis 3:17-19). All creation was subjected to futility and groaning (Romans 8:20-22). The world’s brokenness contributes to bodily afflictions like illness, genetic disorders, and accidents. Natural disasters also lead to injuries and death. While not necessarily tied to personal sin, our suffering stems from the fall.
Discipline from God
The Bible indicates that sometimes physical trials are an instrument of God’s discipline in the lives of his children. Hebrews 12:7-11 explains that God allows these challenges to produce righteousness and sanctification. Pain can serve as a corrective measure, prompting repentance and dependence on the Lord.
Opposition from Satan
Scripture testifies that followers of Christ will face opposition from the enemy. Satan prowls around seeking to devour believers (1 Peter 5:8-9) and his schemes can certainly affect health and body. The book of Job demonstrates how God may permit Satan to afflict a righteous person for divine purposes. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a “messenger from Satan” allowed to torment him.
Unknown Reasons
For some illness and disabilities, the specific reasons behind them remain a mystery. Leaders in the early church recognized that not all suffering is sent as a punishment from God. When asked about a man born blind, Jesus responded, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). We simply may not know the “why” behind certain health conditions.
The Christian Response to Pain
How should believers respond when encountering physical suffering? Scripture offers guidance for walking through the valleys of affliction.
Glorify God
Christians can glorify God through perseverance in trials. The apostle Peter wrote, “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). Illness and pain present opportunities to honor Christ through steadfast faith and persevering obedience.
Pray for Healing and Comfort
God invites his children to bring their needs to him in prayer. James 5:13-15 tells believers to pray over the sick and acknowledges the Lord’s power. While not guaranteed, miraculous healing can occur according to God’s will. Even if physical relief does not come, prayer ushers in God’s comfort and strength.
Trust God’s Goodness and Sovereignty
Believers can take confidence in God’s complete authority over suffering. God limited Satan’s affliction of Job (Job 1:12, 2:6) and imposed boundaries on Paul’s thorn (2 Corinthians 12:9). Scripture also declares God’s goodness. Though he ordains and permits trials, he always acts for the good of his children (Romans 8:28).
Look to the Hope of Eternity
For the Christian, pain and problems in this life are temporary. The eternal glories of heaven far outweigh earthly troubles. Paul reflected this hope: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Suffering prepares us for the coming “new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
Examples of Biblical Figures Who Endured Pain
Many important figures in the Bible endured significant physical affliction. Their examples help illuminate God’s purposes in allowing suffering.
Job
After losing his possessions, children, and health, Job maintained his integrity and devotion to God. His story proves that suffering is not always connected to personal sin. Job’s faithfulness despite his trials demonstrates how suffering can purify and strengthen character.
Jacob
Jacob’s hip was dislocated during his wrestling match with a divine figure (Genesis 32:25). He limped for the rest of his life as a reminder of this spiritually pivotal encounter with God. His injury also taught dependence and humility.
Paul
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes a “thorn in my flesh” allowed by God to torment him. Though it caused distress, Paul recognized the purpose was to keep him humble and dependent on divine grace. His ministry flourished despite this limitation.
Epaphroditus
This coworker of Paul’s became deathly ill while serving the church, nearly to the point of death (Philippians 2:27). Nevertheless, God showed mercy and healed Epaphroditus. His example shows how suffering can arise from dedication to Christ.
Trophimus
Paul left Trophimus sick at Miletus, unable to heal him miraculously (2 Timothy 4:20). This demonstrates how guidance through God’s Spirit is key – supernatural healing did not automatically occur, even under an apostle’s ministry.
Timothy
Paul advised Timothy to drink wine to help his frequent stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). Rather than expecting divine intervention, Paul gave medicinal advice. The Lord can work through both supernatural and practical means.
Practical Ways Christians Can Minister to Those in Pain
For those wanting to comfort and assist fellow Christians experiencing physical trials, here are some suggestions:
Visit or Call the Person
Your presence itself can uplift someone dealing with illness or injury. Take initiative to contact them and offer friendly companionship.
Listen Compassionately
Ask questions about what the person is going through. Listen attentively without judgement. Validate their feelings and assure them it’s okay to express emotions to God.
Offer Practical Help
Look for tangible ways to bless them: pick up groceries, do laundry, clean their home, care for children, assist with medical transportation, or provide meals. Offer to pray for them.
Send Encouraging Notes
Send cards, packages, or gifts to the person. Uplifting Scripture verses and messages reminding them of Christ’s care can help. Psalms for those in pain include 6, 13, 23, 31, 32, 38, 71, and 139.
Avoid Simplistic Platitudes
Don’t minimize their suffering by saying unhelpful things like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” or “Just have more faith.” Show empathy rather than lecturing.
Remember Long Term Care
Follow up periodically even after the initial crisis passes. Chronic conditions require ongoing support. The patient may struggle with discouragement or loss long after the illness improves. Your care should reflect Christ’s long-suffering compassion.
Conclusion
Physical suffering is real for Christians, but does not indicate God’s displeasure or punishment in every circumstance. God uses bodily trials for disciplinary and constructive purposes. When encountering pain, believers should pray, seek medical aid, and use practical means without neglecting spiritual resources like Scripture, faith, the Spirit’s power, and church community. They can respond with perseverance, trusting God’s authority, goodness, and eternal perspective. The Bible offers realism about life’s harshness along with assurance of God’s mercy and sovereignty. With hope anchored in God’s redemption through Christ, his children can endure temporary earthly affliction while looking ahead to an eternity free from pain and filled with joy.