What does the Bible say about suffering and its purpose?
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The Bible teaches that suffering is a means through which God exercises and strengthens His people, ultimately preparing them for eternal glory.
Suffering is often viewed as an unavoidable part of life, but the Scriptures reveal that it is not without purpose. In 1 Peter 5:10, we are reminded that after we have suffered for a while, God will perfect, establish, and strengthen us. Solomon notes in Ecclesiastes 3:10 that God gives travail to the sons of men, which serves to exercise us in our faith. This exercise can lead us to be weary of this world and its troubles, making us long for true rest in Christ. Therefore, suffering ultimately prepares us and draws us closer to our ultimate hope and comfort in the time to come.
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