Can suffering be a form of charity?

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Heaveniswaiting

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Can any type of suffering in a persons life( mental, physical, emotional etc…) regardless of what or how big/small be a form of charity towards others?

For example: I am suffering from severe anxiety that is getting in the way of my daily life, if i offered up this suffering to others who are suffering from other related mental illnesses, would God consider this an act of charity towards others? I know it says we are all one body of Christ…

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I would certainly think so!! But I would also seek professional help if you’re not already. We don’t need to needlessly hold onto our suffering if we don’t have to (not saying you’re doing this of course!) Seek help & offer it up for others in the meantime. Thank you for how you’re building up the mystical Body of Christ!
 
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You will have plenty of suffering to offer up even if you vanquish the anxiety - which, IMO, you definitely should. Treatable illness helps to restore the peace which Christ gives us. You have looked into CBT, haven’t you?

Maybe read and reflect on the Book of Sirach, chapter 38.
 
Please share your story with a priest in confession, and also look into compunction:

Compunction is piercing your heart with habitual sorrow for sin. Compunction will turn your habitual sin into fertilizer to produce many fruits throughout our world!
 
I am sorry but how is my anxiety a sin? And btw I have had anxiety my entire life and have gone to many therapists and gotten counselling before. I have also been on many different medications that only ruined my body. I came to the conclusion that accepting it and living with it is the best method.

You guys say that I should not suffer when there is a treatment for my pain- I guess you are right but I am going to accept it as my cross to carry and offer it up as best as I can for all who are suffering.

Thanks for the replys!:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
 
Offering unavoidable suffering to God on behalf of others can indeed be charity. However, we are called to be filled with joy; to have life and life to the full. That is very difficult if one is fighting anxiety or depression. The Lord also created the doctors, pharmacists and counselors and we are well advised to consult with them.
 
Heaveniswaiting said:
I am sorry but how is my anxiety a sin?
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Please consider a couple of things:
  1. I say share your story with a priest in confession for a couple of reasons. It is good to share with a priest in confession that you are at a loss in what to do about certain situations. Plus, your story is simple enough that you should not need to schedule an office visit with a priest.
  2. Rather than apologizing to us for being at a loss in understanding us, you should apologize to God for being at a loss in understanding your circumstance.
Also, I like your resolve to conquer your anxiety via reliance on God rather than medication.

Thanks for your consideration!
 
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