The Long Perspective

One of the contexts in which the Bible approaches suffering is to put it in perspective. It points out that it is temporary and that the sufferings of this present world are simply a prelude to a future one (2 Corinthians 4:17,18; Romans 8:18; John 16:33). This does not make the sufferings of this time go away or make them automatically easy. But it does put them in perspective for those who trust in Christ and hope for a time when such sufferings will be no more (Revelation 21:4; Philippians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5). If we consider this life as all there is and think that happiness in this life is the only goal, then it is difficult on any basis to reconcile ourselves to the existence of present suffering. But if we consider this life as the preliminary to something better, we see our sufferings in the light of eternity.