This forum is actually a great place for those who can not express their faith publicly due to persecution. Many of us lives in countries where being a christian means a prison sentence or even a death sentence sometimes , so I am glad that this forum exists so that people like mine can share their faith safely . Thank you.
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We are glad you are here.
Peter
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I am 100% all in with you. This forum, or rather those I met here, has changed my life.
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Persecution is part and parcel of a godly Christian, no persecution, no Christianity. Regardless of where you are.
Romans 5:3–5
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”[1]
Reason: Suffering develops Christian character; it is formative, producing patience, tested faith, and hope.
Philippians 1:29
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”[2]
Reason: Suffering is a gift aligned with faith. Christians are called to share in Christ’s suffering as part of their participation in his mission and redemptive work.
1 Peter 4:12–13
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”[3]
Reason: Trials reveal authentic union with Christ and prepare believers to share in the future glory of resurrection and vindication.
Romans 8:17
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”[4]
Reason: Suffering is necessary for solidarity with Christ, establishing both experiential and eschatological union that leads to glorification.
2 Corinthians 1:5
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”[5]
Reason: Suffering participates in Christ’s own experience, allowing believers to receive proportionate consolation and grace.
James 1:2–4
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”[6]
Reason: Suffering (trials) is God’s mechanism to mature faith, producing completeness and spiritual stability.
Acts 14:22
“…we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”[7]
Reason: Entry into God’s kingdom is conditioned by perseverance under trial; suffering is intrinsic to the path of obedience.
1 Peter 2:21–23
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps… Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”[8]
Reason: Suffering is formative, giving believers a concrete example of Christlike patience, trust, and righteous submission.
Hebrews 12:7–11
“…whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth… for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”[9]
Reason: Suffering functions as divine discipline, shaping holiness and producing the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
1 Thessalonians 3:3
“…that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.”[10]
Reason: Suffering is part of the divine appointment for the Christian; it strengthens endurance and confirms the believer’s participation in Christ’s mission.
Synthesis of Why Suffering is Necessary:
It produces tested faith, patience, and hope (Rom 5:3–5; Jas 1:2–4).
It unites believers with Christ’s cross and resurrection (Phil 1:29; Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 1:5).
It serves as divine discipline and moral formation (Heb 12:7–11).
It reveals authentic faith under trial (1 Pet 4:12–13; Acts 14:22).
It provides Christlike example and obedience (1 Pet 2:21–23).
J.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. KJV
↩︎For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; KJV
↩︎Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV
↩︎And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. KJV
↩︎For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. KJV
↩︎My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. KJV
↩︎…we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. KJV
↩︎For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps… Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. KJV
↩︎…whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth… for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. KJV
↩︎…that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. KJV
↩︎
I’m so glad to hear that! It has been a blessing to me as well.