Suffering Should Be Faced Joyfully For The Christian Because

Suffering, an inevitable part of the human experience, often evokes feelings of despair, confusion, and resentment. Yet, within the Christian faith, there lies a profound paradox: suffering, rather than being merely endured, should be faced with joy. This perspective, seemingly counterintuitive, stems from a deep understanding of God's character, His promises, and the transformative power of suffering itself. A Christian's joyful embrace of hardship is not rooted in masochism or denial, but in a confident hope and a profound sense of purpose.

The Biblical Foundation for Joyful Suffering

The call to rejoice in suffering is not a peripheral concept in Christian theology; it is woven into the very fabric of Scripture. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we encounter examples of individuals and communities who found joy amidst trials, tribulations, and persecution.

Old Testament Examples: The book of Job, though filled with immense suffering, ultimately demonstrates the sovereignty of God and the importance of unwavering faith. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, Job maintains his integrity, declaring, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). Similarly, the Psalms are replete with expressions of lament, yet they often transition into declarations of trust and praise, even in the midst of adversity.
The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, not only endured immense suffering himself but also explicitly taught his followers to expect and even rejoice in persecution. In the Sermon on the Mount, he declares, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). He further instructs his disciples to "rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12).
The Apostles' Example: The apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, exemplified this principle in their own lives. Paul, in particular, frequently speaks of rejoicing in suffering. In Romans 5:3-5, he writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." In 2 Corinthians 12:10, he declares, "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."

These biblical examples and teachings provide a solid foundation for understanding why Christians are called to face suffering joyfully. But what are the specific reasons that underpin this seemingly paradoxical response?

Reasons for Joyful Suffering in the Christian Life

Several key theological and practical reasons explain why suffering should be faced joyfully by Christians:

Suffering as Participation in Christ's Suffering: Christians believe that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are united with him in his death and resurrection. This union implies a sharing in his sufferings. Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Suffering, therefore, becomes a way to identify with Christ's sacrifice and to experience a deeper communion with him. It's not about glorifying pain itself, but about recognizing the profound connection to the Savior who willingly endured the ultimate suffering for humanity's redemption.
Suffering as a Means of Spiritual Growth: The Bible teaches that suffering can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity. As Romans 5:3-5 states, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Suffering can strip away superficiality, expose hidden weaknesses, and force us to rely more fully on God. It can refine our character, deepen our compassion, and strengthen our faith. Just as a muscle grows stronger through resistance, so too does our spiritual life grow through the challenges and pressures of suffering.
Suffering as a Testimony to God's Grace: When Christians face suffering with joy and resilience, it serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's grace. It demonstrates that their hope is not based on earthly circumstances but on a deeper, more enduring reality. It shows the world that even in the midst of pain and loss, God's presence and peace are real and accessible. This joyful response can be a compelling witness to the unbelieving world, drawing others to consider the source of such unwavering hope.
Suffering as a Preparation for Eternal Glory: Christians believe that this life is temporary and that their ultimate destiny is to be with God in eternal glory. The Bible teaches that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). Suffering, therefore, can be seen as a preparation for this future glory, a refining process that purifies our hearts and makes us more fit for eternity. The hardships endured here on earth pale in comparison to the joy and perfection that awaits those who remain faithful.
Suffering as a Reminder of Our Dependence on God: In times of comfort and ease, it is easy to become self-sufficient and forget our need for God. Suffering, however, can strip away our illusions of control and remind us of our utter dependence on Him. It forces us to turn to Him for strength, comfort, and guidance. This reliance on God can deepen our relationship with Him and lead to a greater understanding of His love and faithfulness.
Suffering as an Opportunity to Serve Others: Suffering can also equip us to better serve and comfort others who are going through similar trials. Having experienced pain and loss ourselves, we can offer genuine empathy and understanding to those who are hurting. We can become instruments of God's comfort and healing, sharing the hope and peace that we have found in Him.

The Difference Between Joy and Happiness

It's crucial to differentiate between joy and happiness. Happiness is often contingent on external circumstances; it fluctuates based on whether things are going our way. Joy, on the other hand, is a deeper, more enduring emotion that is rooted in our relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is not dependent on circumstances.

Therefore, joyful suffering doesn't mean denying the pain or pretending to be happy when we are not. It means acknowledging the pain, but choosing to focus on God's presence and promises in the midst of it. It means trusting that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even when we cannot see how. It means finding strength and hope in Him, even when we feel weak and discouraged.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy in Suffering

While the concept of joyful suffering may seem abstract, there are practical steps that Christians can take to cultivate this perspective in their lives:

Prayer: Consistent and fervent prayer is essential for maintaining a joyful spirit in the midst of suffering. Prayer allows us to communicate our pain and anxieties to God, to seek His guidance and strength, and to receive His comfort and peace.
Scripture Reading: Reading and meditating on Scripture can remind us of God's promises, strengthen our faith, and provide us with perspective. Focusing on passages that speak of God's love, faithfulness, and sovereignty can bring comfort and hope in times of distress.
Fellowship with Other Believers: Sharing our burdens with other Christians and receiving their support and encouragement can be invaluable. Fellowship provides a sense of community and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Gratitude: Practicing gratitude, even in the midst of suffering, can shift our focus from what we have lost to what we still have. Taking time to acknowledge God's blessings, both big and small, can cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and joy.
Serving Others: Focusing on the needs of others can take our minds off our own suffering and provide us with a sense of purpose. Serving others can remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and that we have something valuable to offer, even in our pain.
Remembering God's Past Faithfulness: Reflecting on times in the past when God has been faithful to us can strengthen our trust in Him and give us hope for the future. Remembering how He has brought us through difficult situations in the past can remind us that He is capable of doing so again.
Focusing on Eternal Perspective: Keeping an eternal perspective can help us to see our present suffering in light of God's ultimate plan. Remembering that this life is temporary and that our ultimate destiny is to be with God in glory can give us strength to endure hardship with joy and hope.

Misconceptions About Joyful Suffering

It's important to address some common misconceptions about joyful suffering:

It's not about denying pain: Joyful suffering is not about pretending that pain doesn't exist or suppressing our emotions. It's about acknowledging the pain but choosing to focus on God's presence and promises in the midst of it.
It's not about masochism: Joyful suffering is not about seeking out pain or finding pleasure in suffering itself. It's about accepting suffering as a reality of life and finding joy in God's presence and purpose within it.
It's not about being passive: Joyful suffering is not about passively accepting whatever comes our way without taking action. It's about trusting God and seeking His guidance while actively working to alleviate suffering, both our own and that of others.
It's not about being unemotional: Experiencing emotions like sadness, grief, and anger is a normal and healthy part of being human. Joyful suffering doesn't mean suppressing these emotions; it means processing them in a healthy way and finding hope and peace in God's presence.

The Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ

Ultimately, the example of Jesus Christ provides the most compelling reason for Christians to face suffering joyfully. Jesus, though innocent, willingly endured immense suffering on the cross for the sins of humanity. He did so out of love for God and for us. His suffering was not meaningless; it was a necessary part of God's plan for salvation.

By following Jesus' example, Christians can find meaning and purpose in their own suffering. They can trust that God is working all things together for good, even when they cannot see how. They can find strength and hope in His presence, even in the midst of pain and loss. They can experience the joy that comes from knowing that they are participating in Christ's suffering and that their suffering is ultimately contributing to God's glory.

Conclusion

The Christian call to face suffering joyfully is not a call to denial or masochism, but a call to a deeper understanding of God's character, His promises, and the transformative power of suffering itself. It is a call to trust that God is working all things together for good, even when we cannot see how. It is a call to find strength and hope in His presence, even in the midst of pain and loss. It is a call to participate in Christ's suffering and to experience the joy that comes from knowing that our suffering is ultimately contributing to God's glory. By embracing this perspective, Christians can not only endure suffering but can also find joy, purpose, and a deeper connection with God in the midst of it. Suffering, when viewed through the lens of faith, becomes an opportunity for growth, a testimony to God's grace, and a preparation for eternal glory. Therefore, for the Christian, suffering should indeed be faced joyfully because of the profound and multifaceted blessings it can bring.