1983 November/December issue Part 7

Questions and Answers

When we suffer as a result of our own sins does it have the same “nobility” as suffering from “outside”- e.g., the death of a loved one, disasters, illnesses, persecution, etc.? (This was asked in a recent seminar.)

There is no nobility in suffering itself. It is our response to suffering that it that determines its effects on character. We can, to use the words of J.B. Phillips’ translation of James 1, welcome trouble as an intruder or as a friend. It is quite impossible, apart from God’s grace, to welcome trouble as a friend. It is possible, however, when we realize that it comes to test our faith and to produce in us the quality of endurance. The Bible gives us many other reasons for suffering (see for example John 14:31; 15:2, 2 Corinthians 1:6, Hebrews 12:10, Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:7; 4:13, John 12:24), but none will do us the least of good if we do not respond in trust and acceptance. “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others.” (Hebrews 12:15, JBP)

If the suffering is the result of our own sin, let us first receive the forgiveness which God promises when we confess, and then let us, in humility and patience, bear whatever the human consequences may be, confident even in the midst of them that the Lord looks on us with love and tenderness. It is because He loves us that He must correct us.