The Church Needs a Mature Theology of Suffering

By dsonnenberg on May 30, 2026 • ( 0 )

Adapted from Michael Lyles, M.D., “How to Understand Basic Bio-Physiological Issues in Mental and Relational Health” in The Struggle is Real: How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in the Church, eds., Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Jared Pingleton.

An immature, inaccurate theology selectively omits Bible passages that talk about tribulation or suffering. The reality is that the Bible describes many lives that were punctuated with pain and suffering.

Churches that minister well do not run from this fact but instead embrace it. People talk honestly about their struggles and do not claim to have all the answers about their life circumstances. They know that the message of the Bible is that God cares and has provided help for us to respond appropriately to the pain we experience.

A mature, accurate theology of suffering gives meaning to the inevitable trials of life and includes the following points of emphasis:

Suffering is common to the Christian experience.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Ps. 34:19
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. Ps. 37:23-24

Suffering is seldom welcome. Paul prayed repeatedly for his thorn in the flesh to go away.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:7

Suffering is not logical. Job did not understand his suffering.

For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. Job 5:6–7

Suffering is not always easy to comprehend.

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8

Suffering properly is part of being Christlike.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3

Suffering is understood by Jesus, who is empathetic, having walked through similar experiences.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

Suffering is monitored by God, who will provide us with options for addressing our suffering.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Suffering promotes personal growth.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith– more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire– may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

Suffering is a daily challenge.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21-24

Suffering is not to be endured alone.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5

Suffering gives reasons to support each other.

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26

Suffering provides an opportunity to get closer to God.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. Psalm 119:67

Suffering teaches us to wait on God.

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:25-26
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Suffering well is the key factor.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 1 Peter 4:19

Suffering provides an opportunity to know that God is still in control.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have over. John 16:33