Afflictions, while often perceived as trials or hardships, are frequently depicted in the Bible as instruments through which God cultivates spiritual growth and fruitfulness in His people. The Scriptures reveal that God, in His sovereignty, uses afflictions to refine, discipline, and ultimately render believers more fruitful in good works.

Refinement and Purification

The process of refinement through affliction is likened to the purification of precious metals. In Malachi 3:3, it is written, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, that they may present offerings to the LORD in righteousness." This imagery illustrates how God uses afflictions to cleanse and purify His people, removing impurities and preparing them for righteous service.

Discipline and Growth

Afflictions also serve as a form of divine discipline, intended to foster spiritual growth and maturity. Hebrews 12:10-11 states, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God 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." Here, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately beneficial, producing a harvest of righteousness.

Dependence on God

Afflictions often lead believers to a deeper dependence on God, drawing them closer to Him and away from self-reliance. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, shares his own experience: "We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead." Through affliction, Paul learned to rely not on his own strength, but on God's power and faithfulness.

Empathy and Comfort

Experiencing afflictions equips believers to empathize with others and offer comfort to those in similar situations. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, "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." Afflictions thus enable believers to minister more effectively to others, sharing the comfort they have received from God.

Perseverance and Character

Afflictions are instrumental in developing perseverance and character, essential qualities for fruitful living. Romans 5:3-4 declares, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage highlights the transformative power of afflictions, which, through perseverance, lead to the development of a godly character and a hopeful outlook.

Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work

Ultimately, afflictions are used by God to make believers more fruitful in every good work. Colossians 1:10 encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." Through the refining and disciplining process of afflictions, believers are equipped to live lives that are pleasing to God, abounding in good works and growing in spiritual maturity.

In summary, while afflictions may be challenging, they are divinely purposed to render believers more fruitful in good works, refining their character, deepening their dependence on God, and equipping them to minister to others with empathy and compassion.John 15:2
Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:10,11
For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Spiritual Culture.
... approve themselves by "much patience, in afflictions, in necessities ... her slumber
and sinners be made to fear ... You will find it beneficial to frequently seclude ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... such persons be shaken up in a beneficial way by ... the same actions and suffer the
same afflictions, they are ... It is true, indeed, that they made such attempts in ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

part ii
... are refreshed by Him, and are made resplendent by ... is connected with great privations
and afflictions; and, therefore ... our Creator; He has created us for Himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... the King by worshipping His servant and not rendering unto Him ... Him was not anything
made that was made." [53 ... God's will (and God's will in relation to us is our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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