Charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. - 1 Corinthians 13
All things... As in everything!
Old Testament
Psalm 34:19 (ESV): "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."
This verse emphasizes that although the righteous will face many troubles, God will ultimately deliver them.
Job 5:7 (ESV): "but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward."
Reflecting on the inevitability of human suffering, especially for the faithful.
Isaiah 53:3 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
Prophecy about the suffering of the Messiah, which also relates to the suffering experienced by His followers.
New Testament
Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV): "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes about the blessedness of those who suffer for His sake.
John 15:18-20 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."
Jesus warns His disciples about the hatred and persecution they will face as His followers.
Romans 8:17-18 (ESV): "and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Paul speaks about the necessity of suffering with Christ to be glorified with Him.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Paul's description of the trials believers face and the sustaining power of Jesus.
Philippians 1:29 (ESV): "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake."
Suffering for Christ is presented as a part of the Christian calling.
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Assurance that godly living will inevitably lead to persecution.
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Encouragement to view trials as a means of growth and maturity in faith.
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Peter's exhortation to see suffering as participation in Christ's sufferings.
Revelation 2:10 (ESV): "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
A promise of reward for those who endure suffering faithfully.
These scriptures collectively affirm that suffering is a significant part of the Christian experience, serving as a means of testing, refining, and ultimately leading to greater glory and reward in God's kingdom.
You want to be healed but are you willing to suffer?
