Question 323: How do you respond to suffering?

Answer:

I respond to suffering by turning to God in trust, prayer, and perseverance. I seek His comfort in Scripture, the sacraments, and the fellowship of the Church. Though I may not understand why I suffer, I believe that God is with me, working for my good and shaping me to be more like Christ. In suffering, I learn to depend on God, hope in His promises, and comfort others with the comfort I have received. (Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:3–5, 1 Peter 4:19, James 1:2–4)

Full Scripture References

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (BSB)

“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (BSB)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort… who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (BSB)

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” – 1 Peter 4:19 (BSB)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2–4 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Christians are not immune to suffering, but we are never alone in it. Our first response must be to turn to God in trust and prayer. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) writes, “In suffering, we don’t need explanations—we need presence. And that’s exactly what God gives. He does not always remove the pain, but He walks through it with us.” (The Suffering Servant and His People, 2021)

We also respond by clinging to the promises of God in Scripture and being strengthened through the sacraments. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) explains, “The Word of God becomes our anchor when the winds of pain blow hard. And in the Eucharist, we receive Christ who suffered and overcame—food for the journey through the valley.” (Hope in the Midst of Trial, 2022)

Suffering must be met with endurance, shaped by the example of Christ. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “Jesus did not run from suffering—He submitted to the Father’s will in it. Our response is not stoic resignation but faithful perseverance, trusting that God is still at work.” (The Cross and Endurance, 2020)

In suffering, we learn to care for others with deeper compassion. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “What we endure, we can also redeem. God uses our wounds to heal others. Through shared sorrow, the Body of Christ becomes stronger.” (The Fellowship of the Wounded, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Suffering rightly received shapes the soul. It makes us more like Christ, more gentle with others, and more hungry for heaven. In pain, we remember our hope.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“In suffering, cry to the Lord. He hears the afflicted and draws near to those who trust in His name.” – Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, c. 398 AD

“Let your trials lead you to prayer. The furnace of affliction makes the soul ready to shine with faith and love.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalms, c. 370 AD

“Do not curse your suffering. Christ has sanctified pain by enduring it Himself. Follow Him with courage and hope.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Letters of Encouragement, c. 250 AD

“When sorrow comes, let it teach you to cling to God. He comforts not with empty words, but with Himself.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on 2 Corinthians, c. 390 AD