How God uses suffering to produce Christ-like character (2024)

Table of Contents
Joseph Paul FAQs

The Bible has a lot to say about how suffering produces godly character. In Romans 5:3-4, it says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Suffering and pain help us to become more like Jesus by developing endurance, strength of character, and hope. These qualities are essential for following Jesus and living a godly life.

Joseph

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and endured many hardships, including being falsely accused and imprisoned. However, through it all, Joseph remained faithful to God and trusted in His plan for his life. As a result, God elevated Joseph to a position of great power and authority, and he was able to use that power to help others.

Paul

Another example is found in the life of Paul. Paul was persecuted and imprisoned for his faith in Jesus, but he remained steadfast in his belief and never wavered. Through his suffering, Paul’s character was strengthened and he became a powerful witness for Christ.

“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

In both of these examples, we see how suffering and pain can produce godly character. By enduring difficult circ*mstances and remaining faithful to God, we can grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. In doing so, we will be better equipped to serve Him, help others in their own struggles, and overcome anxiety.

How God uses suffering to produce Christ-like character (1)

“I suggest to you that it is because God loves us that he gives us the gift of suffering. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world. You see, we are like blocks of stone out of which the Sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much are what make us perfect.” C. S. Lewis

How God uses suffering to produce Christ-like character (2024)

FAQs

How God uses suffering to produce Christ-like character? ›

God uses suffering to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our commitment to him, force us to depend on his grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, impart wisdom, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to ...

How suffering makes us more like Christ? ›

Suffering Conforms Us to Christ

When we suffer and still pursue holiness, we mimic God's Son who remained holy in His suffering. By mimicking Jesus' response, we become more like Him.

What godly character traits come from suffering? ›

Suffering and pain help us to become more like Jesus by developing endurance, strength of character, and hope. These qualities are essential for following Jesus and living a godly life.

Where in the Bible does it say suffering produces character? ›

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

How does suffering build character? ›

Suffering can strip away pretenses and superficialities, leaving behind a more authentic self. It provides an opportunity for self-examination and personal growth, pushing individuals to reevaluate their priorities and refine their character.

Why God allows us to experience sufferings? ›

God allows suffering because it is a byproduct of sin. Sin happens because God gave us free will, even though he opposes sin and helps us overcome it when we are willing. God gave us free will because he loves us.

What does suffering teach us about God? ›

How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering. Not only does God care and empathize with us in our suffering, but He can also bring good out of it. God is the master of redeeming bad situations. One way that God often shows He is present during our suffering is through other people.

What is the role of suffering in a Christian's life? ›

God uses our Christian suffering for the building up of believers, for the purifying of the church, and for the spreading of the gospel. Peter warns us that suffering “tries” our faith—but it doesn't ruin our faith. Trials allow us to partake in the “fellowship of [Christ's] sufferings” (Phil. 3:10, KJV).

How does suffering lead to glory? ›

The suffering we endure matures us in faith, equips us to minister, and prepares us for glory (James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 1:4, 4:17-18). Our suffering leads us to hope in Christ (Romans 5:3-5)—a hope that sets us apart in a dark world that desperately needs to see the light of the Gospel lived out.

What does suffering mean spiritually? ›

Abstract. The author offers definitions for "spiritual" and for "spiritual suffering," suggesting that human spiritual needs include Love, Faith, Hope, Virtue, and Beauty. Spiritual suffering is experienced when these needs are unfulfilled. Spiritual care involves assisting in the fulfillment of these needs.

How God develops your character? ›

When you receive Christ as your personal Savior, God begins to work in you. Nobody is born fully grown, so God has to build your Christian character. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, "... He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it...." When you are saved, God simply begins a good work in you.

What Paul says about suffering? ›

Subsequently, Paul praised the privilege of suffering in Christ: “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14). In his letter to the Philippians the saint tells us how he is torn between life and death.

What does suffering produce? ›

Suffering produces Endurance - Let's use the illustration of running. Everyone knows you can't gain endurance unless you push further. If you stop the second your body demands, you will never have any endurance! The bottom line: when we suffer we have an opportunity to grow in our endurance.

What are the 4 roles of suffering? ›

The Tibetan monk Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche discusses four benefits of suffering: wisdom, resilience, compassion, and a deep respect for reality. Wisdom emerges from the experience of suffering. When things go well, we rarely stop to ask questions about our lives.

What is the root cause of suffering? ›

In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering.

Does suffering build faith? ›

We are made to realize just how good God has been to us. We learn to appreciate and enjoy even the little things in life (2 Corinthians 12:10). Suffering strengthens our faith.

What does Jesus suffering teach us? ›

The Reality of Suffering We see in Jesus an approach to suffering that is not avoidance; rather he responds in love, acknowledging and entering into the suffering of others. He experiences grief, rejection, humiliation and ridicule. He opens himself to hatred and hostility, persecu- tion and threats on his life.

Why is suffering important to Christians? ›

Evil and suffering in this life is a preparation for Heaven close HeavenA place, or a state of mind, associated with God and the afterlife.. Evil and suffering give people a chance to become better people and improve their souls. Christianity teaches that God will reward them in Heaven.

What does Jesus say about our suffering? ›

Jesus said His people would follow in His footsteps, and that would include suffering (John 15:20). He left us an example of how to suffer (1 Peter 2:19-21). He said His followers would be blessed when they faithfully endured suffering for His name's sake (Matthew 5:10-12).

Why do you think Christians should suffer like Jesus? ›

James 1:2-4 NASB tells us that suffering has a purpose for which we should be grateful, namely, perseverance which builds maturity. In Rom. 5:1-5 NASB, Paul told his readers to rejoice in their suffering because it will help produce endurance and character and hope in them.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jerrold Considine

Last Updated:

Views: 5865

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jerrold Considine

Birthday: 1993-11-03

Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765

Phone: +5816749283868

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.