Why is there often so much suffering in death? Why do so many experience such suffering before death?

Quick answer

Suffering and death are painful realities, but even in the hardest moments, God can use them to strengthen faith, build character, and inspire others. For believers, every trial is temporary, pointing us toward eternal life where pain, sorrow, and death will be gone forever.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Suffering and death are some of the most difficult realities we face, and they often leave us questioning why life can be so painful. Both entered the world through the Fall, when Adam and Eve brought sin into the world (Genesis 3). Yet even in the midst of these trials, God’s plan is not absent or indifferent. Pain can refine our character, deepen our faith, and teach us to depend on Him in ways we might never have experienced otherwise (Psalm 119:67, 71; Romans 5:3-5). Sometimes our struggles serve a greater purpose, allowing our lives to bear witness to hope and perseverance, inspiring others to trust and turn to God (1 Peter 4:12-13). While the reasons for suffering vary—from natural consequences to the effects of human choices—God can use even the most difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes (Romans 8:28). The temporary hardships of this life are never wasted; they shape us, strengthen us (James 1:2-8), and prepare us for a future where every tear will be wiped away, and sorrow, pain, and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). Ultimately, suffering reminds us of our need for God’s presence, points us toward spiritual maturity, and draws us closer to the eternal joy and restoration that await in His perfect kingdom.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Suffering and death entered the world because of sin (Genesis 3:16-19). The fall brought pain, toil, and mortality to humanity.
Sometimes suffering is a consequence of personal or communal sin (Exodus 32:35; 2 Samuel 24:15).
God also allows suffering as a refining process, to test faith, build character, or teach dependence on Him (Job 1-2; Psalm 119:67, 71).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus acknowledged the reality of suffering but gives us hope and purpose through it (John 16:33).
Believers can experience suffering as a form of sanctification or to participate in Christ’s sufferings, ultimately leading to glory (Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:12-13).
God promises comfort, presence, and eternal life, even in the face of death and suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Revelation 21:4).
God can allow suffering to refine our faith and serve as a witness to others. Paul endured great hardships for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) and looked forward to the reward God promised for faithful service (2 Timothy 4:8). Sometimes, our trials strengthen our trust in God and can inspire others to faith in ways only He fully understands.
Suffering exists because of sin, but not even suffering is wasted with God. God uses even suffering in our life for our good and His glory. In John 9:1-3, Jesus offered a response to partly address this issue: "As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" This man's suffering was not due to something he had done, but as part of God's ultimate plan for his life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God's sovereign plan for a person's life may include suffering for a variety of reasons. Suffering sometimes is a result of the natural processes of human decay, such as when a person’s life nears its end. Sometimes suffering is a consequence of our actions or those around us. For example, the long-term impact of smoking can be painful health problems years later. Even second-hand smoke can cause physical problems for non-smokers who live or spend significant time with those who smoke. In other cases, suffering is the result of sinful actions, such as drunken driving or violence. God also sometimes allows suffering as part of Christian maturity and witness.

The good news is that for Christians, suffering is only temporary. In eternity with the Lord, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Regardless of why we suffer, believers can anticipate a future time when all pain is removed and perfect health is restored in the presence of the Lord.

UNDERSTAND

Suffering and death come as a result of the Fall.
Hardships can strengthen believers and be a witness to others.
For Christ followers, suffering is temporary, pointing to eternal life free from pain.

REFLECT

How have you seen your own struggles or suffering shape your faith or character?
How can you trust God’s purpose during difficult or painful times in your life?
How might your experiences of hardship serve as a witness or encouragement to others?

ENGAGE

How do we reconcile the reality of suffering with the belief that God is good and sovereign?
How can our response to pain and trials inspire faith or hope in those around us?
How might understanding the temporary nature of suffering change the way we respond to it?