The Goodness of Suffering: A Biblical Perspective
Suffering is one of the greatest theological challenges we face. How can a good God allow suffering? If suffering exists in this fallen world but not in heaven, does that mean it is inherently bad? And if all good things come from above (James 1:17), how do we reconcile the fact that God has at times ordained suffering—whether through judgment, discipline, or sanctification?
In our last post, I mentioned that a friend and I recently discussed this topic, and he argued that suffering cannot be good because it does not exist in heaven. I countered that, in a sense, suffering is good because it draws us to the Suffering Servant, Christ. This led to a deeper discussion about whether suffering, though painful, can serve a redemptive purpose in God’s sovereign plan.
The Bible presents a complex yet beautiful picture: suffering is not good in itself, but in the hands of God, it becomes an instrument of His grace. As we explore suffering from a biblical perspective, we will see that God not only permits it but uses it for the refining, strengthening, and sanctifying of His people.
Now, let’s dive into this question: Is suffering good? If so, in what way? And if suffering is part of God’s plan, why will it be absent in heaven?
1. The Definition of Good in God's Sovereign Plan
Our struggle with suffering often comes from how we define "good." In human terms, we tend to equate good with comfort, ease, and blessing, while we associate suffering with evil, punishment, or brokenness. However, in God’s economy, good is defined by His ultimate purpose, not our temporary experience.
God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
God prunes branches so they bear more fruit (John 15:2).
God refines like a fire to purify (Malachi 3:3).
From this perspective, suffering is not good in the sense of pleasure or desirability, but it is good in its divine purpose. God’s judgments, His discipline, and His allowance of suffering all serve a higher purpose—one that aligns with His holiness, justice, and love.
2. God's Use of Suffering in Redemptive History
Throughout history, God has used suffering as an instrument of His divine plan.
A. Suffering Introduced by God’s Judgment
The Flood (Genesis 6-9): God sent the flood as judgment on a wicked world, bringing immense suffering and destruction. Yet, this act preserved righteousness through Noah and his family. If suffering were inherently evil, why would a holy God use it to cleanse the earth?
The Plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7-12): God inflicted great suffering upon Pharaoh and Egypt to accomplish His will—Israel’s deliverance. Was this suffering "bad," or was it a necessary act of divine justice?
Israel’s Exile (Jeremiah 29:10-14): The Babylonian captivity was filled with suffering, yet God explicitly declared it was for their good:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Even when suffering was the result of God’s judgment, it was ultimately redemptive.
B. The Greatest Suffering Brought the Greatest Good
The greatest act of suffering in history was also the greatest act of goodness: the cross.
"It was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief" (Isaiah 53:10).
"For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God"(2 Corinthians 5:21).
Was Christ’s suffering "bad"? Not at all. His suffering was necessary for redemption.
Thus, we see a pattern throughout Scripture—suffering is not something that exists outside of God's goodness but rather is woven into it for a greater purpose.
3. Suffering in Light of Heaven
My friend’s argument is that suffering cannot be good because it will not exist in heaven. This is an understandable point, but does it hold up to biblical reasoning?
A. Absence in Heaven Does Not Equal "Not Good"
Faith and Hope Will Not Exist in Heaven. Yet, they are undeniably good now.
Marriage Will Not Exist in Heaven. Jesus said that in the resurrection, we "neither marry nor are given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30), but that does not mean marriage is bad.
The Law Will Not Exist in Heaven in Its Current Form. The law is holy (Romans 7:12), but it will be fulfilled perfectly in Christ’s kingdom.
If something being absent in heaven makes it not good, then we would have to argue that faith, hope, marriage, and the law are not good either—which is not biblical.
B. Suffering Exists for a Purpose Now
Suffering exists now because we are in the process of sanctification. We are being conformed to Christ’s image through trials, discipline, and endurance (Romans 8:29). Once that process is complete in eternity, suffering will no longer be needed.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18
Suffering is not eternal, but that does not mean it is not good for its appointed time.
4. The Mystery of God's Purposes in Suffering
Some suffering is a direct consequence of sin, but other suffering is allowed or even initiated by God for a greater purpose. Job’s suffering was not because of sin, but God allowed it to bring about a deeper knowledge of Himself (Job 42:5).
God gave Satan permission to afflict Job.
God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12).
God sent an evil spirit to torment Saul (1 Samuel 16:14).
None of these make God the "author of evil" (James 1:13), but they show that He is sovereign over suffering and uses it to accomplish His perfect will.
A. How Can We Say Suffering Is Good?
It Produces Endurance and Maturity
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." — James 1:2-3
It Conforms Us to Christ’s Image
"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." — Romans 5:3-4
It Displays God's Glory
"But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’" — 2 Corinthians 12:9
It Leads to Deeper Knowledge of God
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word." — Psalm 119:67
Suffering is good when seen through the lens of God’s eternal purpose.
Conclusion: A Higher Perspective on Suffering
If all good things come from above (James 1:17), and God Himself has used suffering as a means of refining, judging, and sanctifying, then suffering must have a redeemed purpose in His plan.
Suffering is not good in itself (we are not called to seek suffering).
But suffering is good in God’s hands—because He works through it.
The absence of suffering in heaven does not mean it is not good for its appointed time on earth.
Rather than viewing suffering as something to escape at all costs, we are invited to see it as a tool in God’s redemptive work. Suffering shapes us, humbles us, and ultimately, draws us to Christ, the Suffering Servant.
Final Thought
Suffering is not the absence of God’s goodness—it is a means by which His goodness is revealed in a fallen world. One day, suffering will be no more, but for now, God uses it to accomplish His divine work in us.
📖 "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." — 2 Corinthians 4:17