What does the Bible say about suffering for Christians?
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The Bible teaches that suffering is to be expected for believers as a form of God's loving discipline, and it ultimately leads to spiritual growth.
The Bible emphasizes that suffering is not arbitrary but part of God’s sovereign plan for His people. In Hebrews 12:5-6, it states, 'My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.' This means that suffering can serve as a reminder of our dependence on God and a tool for refining our faith. It is not a punishment for sin since Christ has borne the penalty for His people. Instead, it demonstrates God’s love in helping His children grow and draw closer to Him.
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