poverty
Is My Pain God’s Punishment?
By Vaneetha Rendall Risner at Desiring God
· June 20, 2026
· 7 min read
Is my suffering a punishment? That’s often our first question when suffering lands unexpectedly on our doorstep. We wonder what we did wrong. We assume that if we check all the boxes, attend church regularly, and read the Bible, we’ll be protected from tragedy. And when that doesn’t happen, we’re fi
Key takeaway That’s often our first question when suffering lands unexpectedly on our doorstep.
Why this matters
The notion that suffering is a direct result of sin or punishment is a pervasive and misguided assumption that has been present throughout history, including in Scripture. This flawed theology can lead to a simplistic and judgmental view of others who are experiencing hardship, as well as a lack of understanding and empathy. The stories of Job and the blind man in John 9 illustrate how this assumption can be damaging and misguided. The prosperity gospel, which promises a life of earthly blessings and no affliction in exchange for faith, is a modern manifestation of this same flawed thinking. In reality, suffering can be a refining and transformative experience that tests one's faith and character, rather than a punishment for past sins. As Christians, it is essential to recognize and reject this false narrative, instead embracing a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of suffering and its role in the Christian life.
About this story
Original reporting by Desiring God . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: poverty ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: Desiring God ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Is my suffering a punishment? That’s often our first question when suffering lands unexpectedly on our doorstep. We wonder what we did wrong. We assume that if we check all the boxes, attend church regularly, and read the Bible, we’ll be protected from tragedy. And when that doesn’t happen, we’re fi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by Desiring God and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Vaneetha Rendall Risner at Desiring God. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .