What does the Bible say about suffering?
Scripture presents suffering as a mystery that God permits but can transform. It disciplines, purifies, and — when united to Christ's Passion — becomes redemptive. The Bible never glorifies pain for its own sake, but consistently shows that suffering endured in faith produces hope, holiness, and participation in the life of Christ.
The Church's Teaching
Ultimately, Scripture and Tradition point to the same horizon: suffering is not the last word. The Resurrection is. Every cross borne in faith is oriented toward Easter morning.
Sources & Further Reading
Scripture: Luke 9:23 · Romans 5:3-4 · Colossians 1:24 · 1 Peter 4:13 · Isaiah 53:5 · John 11:35
Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1500-1501 · CCC 1505 · CCC 1520-1523
Go Deeper
Bible lessons that explore this topic further: