What purpose does the Bible attribute to suffering. How do passages like Romans 8:18-30 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 inform our perspective on enduring hardship and finding meaning in suffering?
You are asking way too much for one response, therefore, I will only address some of the issues contained in the references you give and in the perspective of the saved.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
No matter what suffering or for what reason, it will be recompensed with great glory at the Lord’s coming, and all will be to the good.
2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Christ gave himself to save others, we are expected to do the same. The Christian life is supposed to be: Service, Sacrifice, Suffering. We are to sacrifice whatever it takes to serve our Lord in the gospel to bring the knowledge of salvation to the lost and suffer whatever consequences that service may bring upon us.
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
There are many reasons men suffer: to test and grow our faith, correction, punishment, to reach others, would be major reasons.
God wants us to manifest our faith. It is difficult for anyone to take notice of your faith if living a life of comfort and bliss. It is only in adversity that faith can be manifested.
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