Beneficial Suffering

In recent years, the "health and wealth" gospel has suggested that everything will be wonderful and prosperous for those who follow God. Historically, there has always been a segment of Christianity which has thought Christians should not suffer. Even in the ancient book of Job this idea existed: "Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright destroyed? According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble harvest it" (Job 4:7-8). Is it ever God's desire for His children to suffer?

Absolutely yes. First Peter 3:17 states, "For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." "Those who suffer according to the will of God" (I Peter 4:19). Sometimes God does will for His children to suffer. The suffering is in His mind and is something that He intends should happen by His resolve and determination. God desires the suffering and to an extent even takes delight in it - not in the suffering itself, but in the divinely designed results.

Just as a note, it is never God's desire that His children should suffer for doing what is wrong. His justice does require punishment for wrong-doing, but God never wants His children to do the wrong acts that bring such justice. That is, God might approve that a Christian would go to jail for killing someone, but He does not want the murder to take place. When someone suffers the just results of his evil acts, there is nothing good in that.

When a Christian suffers for doing what is right, however, that is a different story. There are times when believers are living with the intention and desire to follow God. In the midst of that righteous (not perfect) living, they end up suffering. This is the suffering that can be according to the will of God. Peter reveals why by setting up a contrast between the two kinds of suffering. His summary statement is that suffering for doing what is right is better than suffering for what is wrong.

That word better is both a positive word and a comparative word. In its positive aspect, the word refers to something being useful, serviceable, and advantageous. In its comparative sense, it means that suffering for doing good is useful and advantageous to a degree beyond what could happen in suffering for doing evil. In both cases, the result (suffering) is the same. The difference or advantage is evidenced in the benefits that come from suffering for what is right. There are no benefits in suffering for what is wrong. That kind of suffering ends up simply being sad and disappointing, empty and worthless. It accomplishes nothing good.

This is not true of suffering for doing what is good. This type of suffering has tremendous benefit. From my study of the epistle of First Peter, I suggest this theme: living in suffering in a way that makes an impact for God. Peter makes it clear that there is a way to suffer that has great benefit, and he shares those benefits throughout the book. None of these benefits happen when the suffering is due to wrong-doing, but all of them happen when the suffering is for doing what is right.

Suffering proves and confirms your precious faith. "The proof of your faith" (1:7). "For your testing" (4:12).

God will be praised, glorified, and honored. "May be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:7). "The Gentiles ... glorify God in the day of visitation" (2:12).  "You may rejoice with exultation" (4:13) "Glorify God" (4:16).

Your reputation is upheld. "Because of your good deeds, as they observe them" (2:12). "You may silence the ignorance of foolish men" (2:15). "Those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame" (3:16).

You can follow your conscience in living as God expects. "For the sake of conscience toward God" (2:19). "And keep a good conscience" (3:16).

You please God. "For this finds favor. ... This finds favor with God" (2:19-20).

You imitate and reflect Christ. "Leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps" (2:21). "You share the sufferings of Christ" (4:13).

You have a part in the salvation of others and opportunity to share your faith. "They may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives" (3:1). "Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (3:15).

You receive God's blessing. "That you might inherit a blessing" (3:9). "You are blessed" (3:14). "You are blessed" (4:14). Christ likewise received the Father's blessing (1:11; 5:1).

You will be sanctified and refocused. "He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God" (4:1-2).

The Spirit of God rests on you. "The Spirit of glory and of God rests on you" (4:14).

You learn to trust God. "Shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator" (4:19).

You will be strengthened in God. "The God of all grace ... will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (5:10).

There are definitely advantages to suffering when that suffering is for what is right. This epistle teaches that the right kind of living in the midst of suffering makes a difference. Due to the numerous advantages, it is no wonder that God sometimes wills suffering to happen. There is much good that God wants to do in and through His children when they suffer. It is abundantly evident from the references above that God does not waste suffering. Suffering has purpose, and through God's intervention, suffering accomplishes much that is of eternal and lasting value. Suffering is never easy, but it is truly beneficial.