1. Suffering should be expected and embraced by Christians. 

Jesus promised believers they would be “hated by all” for his sake (Mt. 10:22), delivered up to courts, flogged (Mt. 10:17), betrayed by friends (Lk. 21:16-17), and thrown into prison (Rv. 2:10). Paul said we must enter into the kingdom of God “through many tribulations” (Ac. 14:22). 

Jesus warned Paul that he would suffer much (Ac. 9:16). “Do not be surprised,” John said, “that the world hates you” (1Jn. 3:13). “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tm. 3:1

2. Suffering began at the Fall and lands upon everyone. 

Death is the only way to avoid suffering. Adam and Eve were created posse non peccare (able not to sin) but were told that if they ate of the wrong tree, they would die (Gn. 2:17). They disobeyed, bringing immediate spiritual death. Their sin also brought other forms of suffering, like pain in childbirth to women (Gn. 3:16), difficulty in labor to men (Gn. 3:17-19), and eventual death to all people (Gn. 5:5; Rm. 5:12). 

Today, suffering is universal, as common as sparks that drift upwards (Job 5:7). Job, who lost all of his children, possessions, and health, said he was “few of days and full of trouble” (14:1). Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jn. 14:33).