Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Suffering of the Righteous: Any Justification for Upright Living?

Authors: Rose BULUS BOYI 1, Gershinen Paul Dajur, PhD 2, Nanlir Kartim Napbut PhD 3;

Suffering of the Righteous: Any Justification for Upright Living?

Abstract

The paradox of the righteous enduring suffering has remained a profound theological, philosophical, and pastoral concern across generations. While biblical faith affirms God’s justice and the blessings of righteousness, lived experience often reveals the contrary, as seen in the trials of Job, the lament of the Psalmist in Psalm 73, and the persecution of early Christians. This article examines whether there is any justification for upright living in the face of suffering, engaging both biblical testimony and theological reflection. It explores theodicy, the moral order, and the eschatological hope that frames Christian perseverance. Through an exegetical and thematic analysis, the study highlights that suffering, far from negating righteousness, may serve as a means of spiritual formation, witness to divine grace, and participation in Christ’s redemptive mission. African contextual realities—marked by poverty, injustice, and persecution—are also considered, revealing how communities of faith interpret and endure righteous suffering. The paper concludes that upright living remains justifiable not merely for its earthly rewards but because it aligns believers with God’s character, purposes, and ultimate promise of restoration. Such a perspective fosters resilience, hope, and moral courage in the face of adversity, affirming that faithfulness transcends immediate outcomes.

Keywords

Christianity, righteousness, suffering, theodicy, upright living

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average