Finding Good in Life's Adversities and Suffering
The concept of finding good in life's adversities and suffering is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a subject of reflection across various Christian traditions. The apostle Paul writes, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" [1, 3]. This perspective is not unique to Paul; it is echoed in various biblical passages and interpreted by Christian theologians and commentators.
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature encourages seeking good and understanding in the eyes of God and man [2]. Proverbs 11:27 suggests that seeking what is good leads to grace, while looking for trouble results in getting it [4]. This wisdom is foundational to understanding the Christian approach to adversity.
one commentary tradition on Job highlights that suffering is not necessarily a punishment for sin, as the friends of Job asserted. Instead, it suggests that the prosperity of the wicked is a mystery that will be resolved in God's timing, referencing Romans 2:4 and other passages [5]. This commentary underscores the complexity of suffering and the need for a nuanced understanding.
Protestant academic sources, such as Tyndale House's commentary on 1 Peter, emphasize that Christians should not be surprised by trials and suffering, as they are part of living in a sinful world [7]. The commentary on 1 Peter 2:14 notes that authorities are instituted by God to punish wrongdoers and honor those who do right, suggesting a framework for understanding suffering in the context of societal structures [6].
Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, views suffering as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to rest in the world to come. Chrysostom interprets Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 12:10 as an expression of joy in suffering for Christ's sake, emphasizing the power of Christ resting upon the believer [8].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as seen in John Gill's commentary on Lamentations 3:36 and Romans 8:28, encourages believers to search their ways and find comfort in God's love and covenant during afflictions. Gill interprets Romans 8:28 as indicating that all things, including afflictions, work together for the good of believers, highlighting the temporal, spiritual, and eternal aspects of this good [10, 12].
The biblical and theological reflections on suffering and adversity underscore that these experiences can be transformative, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God. As the Hebrews commentary notes, believers are bound together in the body of Christ, sharing in each other's sufferings and adversities [9]. This communal aspect of suffering is a significant theme in Christian theology.
The various Christian traditions represented in the sources converge on the idea that suffering, while not desirable in itself, can be a catalyst for spiritual growth, deeper faith, and a greater understanding of God's purposes. As John Chrysostom's homilies suggest, this life is a contest, and suffering is part of the Christian journey, but it is not without purpose or redemption [11].
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 3:4 (YLT) — And find grace and good understanding In the eyes of God and man.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 12:10 — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 11:27 (BBE) — He who, with all his heart, goes after what is good is searching for grace; but he who is looking for trouble will get it.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 2:14: 2:14 to punish those who do wrong and honor those who do right: Cp. Rom 13:3-4.”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: 2 Cor. xii. 8–10 .) “Wherefore,” he says, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Moreover, hear Christ Himself saying, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” ( John xvi. 33 .) [6.] Ver. 3 . “For consider,” saith he, “Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” For if the sufferings of those near us arouse us, what earnestness will not those of our Master give us! What w”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:3: Remember--in prayers and acts of kindness. bound with them--by virtue of the unity of the members in the body under one Head, Christ (Co1 12:26). suffer adversity--Greek, "are in evil state." being yourselves also in the body--and so liable to the adversities incident to the natural body, which ought to dispose you the more to sympathize with them, not knowing how soon your own turn of suffering may come. "One experiences adversity almost his whole life, as Jacob; another in youth, as Joseph; another in manhood, as Job; another in old age" [BENG”
- Lamentations (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Lamentations 3:36: Let us search and try our ways,.... stead of murmuring and complaining, let us search for something that may support and comfort, teach and instruct, under afflictive providences; let us search into the love of God, which, though it cannot be fully searched out, it will be found to be from everlasting to everlasting; and that all afflictions spring from it; and that it continues notwithstanding them: let us search into the covenant of grace, in which provision is made for afflictions in case of disobedience, and for supports under them: let us search the Scriptu”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: do we confound the times? Why do we turn things upside down? Say, art thou afflicted, and livest in poverty, and in dejection? Be not troubled: for it were worth being troubled at, wert thou destined to be afflicted in that world: as for this present affliction, it is the cause of rest. “This sickness,” saith He, “is not unto death.” ( John xi. 4 .) That affliction is punishment: this, schooling and correction. It is a contest, this life present: if so, to fight is our business now: it is war and battle. In war one does not seek to have rest, in war ”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good,.... There is a temporal good, and a spiritual good, and an eternal one. Temporal good is what the men of the world are seeking after, and generally have the greatest share of, and the saints the least; and yet they have as much as is needful for them, and what they have, they have with a blessing; and even sometimes afflictions work for the temporal good of God's children: spiritual good lies in a lively exercise of grace and a conformity of the soul to God; and is what the men of the world least regard, and the sain”