Suffering
Will It Make Us Better or Bitter?
Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. In a fallen world, trials, losses, and physical or emotional pain will eventually touch every life. However, for the Christian, suffering is not a dead end. It is a crucible.
When we face adversity, we stand at a crossroads: we can allow the fire of our trials to refine us, or we can allow it to consume us, turning our hearts toward bitterness. While our emotions—anger, sadness, and worry—are real and often understandable, we are not called to be mastered by them. We are called to be mastered by Christ.
Recognizing the Choice
It is easy to justify bitterness. We may feel that the depth of our pain entitles us to be angry at God or cynical toward others. Yet, the Bible consistently invites us to choose a different path—a path of surrender and trust.
The Command to Guard the Heart:
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NKJV)
We have the agency, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to guard what we allow to take root in our hearts. Choosing bitterness is a surrender of our spiritual authority; choosing endurance is an act of faith.
The Purpose Behind the Pain
Scripture reveals that suffering is rarely wasted when it is brought before the Lord. Instead, it is used as a tool for spiritual maturation.
Refinement and Endurance:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2–4, NKJV)
James teaches us that suffering is a catalyst. It builds “patience” (or steadfastness) that makes us more like Christ. We aren’t asked to enjoy the suffering itself, but to rejoice in what God is accomplishing through it.
Responding Rather Than Reacting
When we are tempted to give in to worry or anger, we are invited to exchange our burdens for God’s peace. This is an active, daily choice to turn our focus away from the problem and toward the Problem-Solver.
The Exchange of Worries for Peace:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NKJV)
This passage provides the remedy for the temptation to be bitter. When we bring our pain to God with thanksgiving, He does not necessarily remove the suffering instantly, but He provides a supernatural guard for our hearts and minds.
Suffering as Fellowship with Christ
Ultimately, the Christian finds comfort in knowing they are not suffering alone. Jesus Christ is the “Man of Sorrows,” and when we suffer, we are drawn into a unique intimacy with Him.
Sharing in His Glory:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18, NKJV)
A Decision of the Will
Choosing “better” over “bitter” is not a one-time decision; it is a moment-by-moment surrender. It requires us to acknowledge our sadness while refusing to let it define us. It requires us to bring our anger to the foot of the cross and leave it there.
When we feel the weight of our circumstances, we must remember that God is the Master Potter, and the pressure of the wheel is not meant to break the clay, but to shape it into something beautiful.