“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3–5 (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. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (BSB)
“He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:10–11 (BSB)
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:6–7 (BSB)
Suffering refines the soul. Just as fire purifies gold, hardship purifies faith. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) teaches, “God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves—our holiness. When the road is dark, He is still forming in us the likeness of His Son.” (Suffering and the Glory of God, 2022)
In suffering, we experience the comfort and nearness of God in ways we might not otherwise. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) explains, “The valley of sorrow becomes a place of revelation. There, we do not just know about God—we meet Him, we cling to Him.” (Meeting God in the Fire, 2020)
We also become instruments of comfort to others. Our afflictions make us more compassionate and more equipped to bear one another’s burdens. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “God shapes suffering into sympathy. Those who have bled with Christ can bind the wounds of others with gentleness and hope.” (The Compassionate Disciple, 2021)
Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) concludes, “God allows suffering because He loves us too much to leave us untested, untouched, and unchanged. It is through suffering that we are prepared for glory.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
“Suffering is the plow of the Lord—it turns up the soil of the heart so that the seeds of righteousness may take root.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33, c. 370 AD
“He who suffers with Christ will be glorified with Christ. Let none despise suffering, for in it the saints are crowned.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Exhortation to Martyrdom, c. 250 AD
“Pain opens the heart to God. When all else is taken, He remains—and is seen to be more than enough.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans, c. 390 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
