Information Related to "Why Must Christians Suffer?"
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One of the greatest puzzles for many people is why God allows good people to suffer. What is the benefit, they ask, of trying to live according to God's instruction if we all have to suffer? A best-selling book states the dilemma in its title: When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
The book of 1 Peter deals specifically with the suffering of Christians. Peter understood the significance of the suffering of people who live righteously in the light of Jesus Christ and His suffering. Peter notes two categories of suffering. One is for righteousness' sake and brings us nearer the Kingdom of God. The other is largely unnecessary because it is usually the result of problems we bring on ourselves. We earnestly need God's help, however, during both types of suffering.
Does God have a purpose in allowing Christians to suffer?
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29).
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