Suffering, encouragements in

Believers are encouraged by the loving care and faithful promises of God and by the example, support and prayers of fellow believers. The prospect of heaven helps them to endure.

The encouragement of God's love

The care of the Father

Psalm 103:13 See also Psalm 86:17; Isaiah 50:10, Isaiah 64:8–9; Luke 18:6–7; John 16:27, John 17:11, John 17:15; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 1:3

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

The sympathetic understanding of Jesus Christ

Hebrews 2:18 See also Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 42:3, Isaiah 53:5; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1; John 14:27, John 16:22; Romans 8:35–39; Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 12:3

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

The comfort of the Spirit

John 14:16–17 See also Luke 11:13; Romans 5:5, Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 3:16; 1 Peter 4:14

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

The promises of God

Psalm 119:50; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9 See also Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:2–3; Matthew 6:31–33; Romans 15:4; Philippians 4:7; 1 Peter 5:10

This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise has given me life.

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

The encouragement of the fellowship of believers

Examples from the past

Hebrews 12:1 See also Psalm 102:17–18; Jeremiah 20:11; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 11:25–26; James 5:10–11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Support from other believers

1 Thessalonians 5:11 See also Ruth 2:13; Job 42:11; Acts 28:15; Romans 16:4; 2 Corinthians 7:6–7; Philippians 4:14; Colossians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12, 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 2 Timothy 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:13; Hebrews 10:25

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

The encouragement of looking ahead

The assurance of victory

Romans 8:37 See also Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:25, 1 Corinthians 15:55–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

The prospect of glory

Romans 8:18 See also Job 19:25–26; Isaiah 65:17; 2 Corinthians 4:17–5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7; 2 Peter 3:13; Jude 1:24–25; Revelation 7:16–17, Revelation 21:1–4

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.