Why honest wrestling belongs inside faithful reading

There are parts of the Bible that comfort us immediately — and there are parts that stop us in our tracks.

Some verses are confusing. 

Some feel uncomfortable. 

Some raise moral, emotional, or intellectual questions that are impossible to ignore. 

And for many people, certain passages carry real‑life implications that touch on suffering, justice, identity, violence, gender, judgment, or salvation.

If you have ever read a verse and thought, “I don’t know what to do with this,”   you are not alone — and you are not failing in faith.

Taking the Struggle Seriously

The Bible never pretends that faith is simple or tidy.

It was written:

• over centuries

• across cultures

• in multiple languages

• within historical moments very different from our own

Some passages demand careful reading, historical understanding, theological reflection, and humility.

These difficulties matter because:

• people base life decisions on Scripture

• verses shape beliefs, ethics, and relationships

• misunderstood passages can cause harm as well as confusion

To gloss over difficult Bible passages is not faithfulness — it is avoidance. 

To face them honestly is an act of courage and reverence.

Why the Difficult Passages Matter

Paradoxically, the very existence of difficult, controversial, and debated passages is one of the strongest reasons to trust the Bible’s authenticity.

If the Bible were:

• invented to control people

• edited to avoid offence

• written simply to persuade or impress

it would be far more polished, predictable, and comfortable.

Instead, Scripture includes:

• unresolved questions

• stories that challenge God’s people

• moral tensions that provoke debate

• passages that force deep reflection

These are not the marks of propaganda. 

They are the marks of honest testimony.

The Bible does not read like something carefully crafted to avoid controversy. 

It reads like something preserved because it was believed to be true — even when it was difficult.

Wrestling Is Not a Lack of Faith

The Bible does not shame those who wrestle with it. 

In fact, it honours them.

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.” — Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Faith grows not by ignoring questions, but by engaging them honestly.

God is not threatened by careful reading, hard questions, or thoughtful disagreement. 

He invites us to seek understanding rather than settle for shallow certainty.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 1:18

Difficult Passages Can Strengthen Faith

When approached humbly and carefully, difficult passages can:

• deepen understanding of God’s character

• guard against simplistic or distorted theology

• strengthen confidence that faith can withstand scrutiny

• equip believers to respond thoughtfully to critics and seekers

The goal is not to force quick answers, but to grow in wise, grounded faith.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… who correctly handles the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

An Invitation, Not a Shortcut

This section of Christianity Explained does not offer:

• easy answers to complex questions

• quick fixes for deeply challenging texts

• simplistic explanations where Scripture itself is complex

Instead, it offers:

• careful context

• honest theological reflection

• a commitment to truth over comfort

• respect for the real impact these passages can have

You are invited to grapple, not gloss over. 

To think, not fear. 

To seek truth, not settle for avoidance.

Encouragement for the Journey

Scripture encourages perseverance in understanding:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 (NIV)

And it reminds us that faith includes readiness to explain, not retreat:

“Always be prepared to give an answer… but do this with gentleness and respect.” — 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

A Final Word

Difficult Bible passages are not an embarrassment to Christianity — they are part of its depth.

They remind us that:

• God is bigger than our assumptions

• truth can withstand honest examination

• faith is not fragile

• questions are not the enemy of belief

As you explore these passages, do so with patience, humility, and hope. 

You are not reading alone — generations of believers have wrestled before you, and God has met them in the struggle.

This section exists not to weaken faith, but to strengthen it — honestly, thoughtfully, and courageously.