Why do the righteous suffer?

-Righteousness does not exempt us from trials and suffering (examples are Job, Paul, etc.).  The providences of God are often applied indiscriminately. (Matthew 5:45-48)

-When we suffer we are following the example of Christ (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 5:10)

-Sometimes suffering is due to the discipline of God (Hebrews 12): discipline is proof of God’s love, vs. 6; it is proof that we are God’s children, vv. 7,8; it is evidence that He is our Father, vs. 9; discipline trains us to live righteously, vs. 11; discipline teaches us obedience, Hebrews 5:8

-Suffering tests our faith (Proverbs 17:3): to prove it genuine, 1 Peter 1;6,7, to produce endurance, James 1:2,3

-God is arranging our circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28)

-Suffering tests our character, our integrity toward God, our love for God (Job 1 & 2)