Do we 'need' suffering?

[whatevergirl]

In some ways, suffering strengthens us, and enables us to appreciate the positiveness to life. I am not so sure that we would appreciate the sunshine…if it weren’t for the rain. (but, maybe you like rain?) lol

I also think that suffering unites us to Christ. If suffering is ‘good’ for us…if in some way, we ‘need’ it…then, why are we so anxious to get out of it (when we’re in it)?

In reading yesterday and today’s OT’s mass readings…it really glares at me that Tobias no doubt suffered much…but also grew during his suffering. (another byproduct, perhaps, of suffering)

So…do you think we need it? Has your own sufferings in life drawn you closer to God, and do you think that suffering in necessary to being a better person? (spiritually speaking)

 

[Em_in_FL]

I love the book of Tobit.

This is a subject very dear to my heart… and I’ve had several views on suffering over the years.

I agree that suffering, in this world, can bring us closer to God… unite us with Christ and His sufferings… caused by the sins of this world.

Do we “need” suffering? Maybe some of us do.
But then again, God created this world with the intention of NO suffering! He created this world out of love for us… for our happiness and pleasure and to glorify Him in everything we do!
But that’s the key factor in today’s world of sin… we don’t glorify Him in everything we do (we’re sinners).

Does that mean we need to go out looking for ways to suffer in order to be united with Christ? I don’t think so… it’ll come naturally. God wants us to accept the suffering we’re given in this world, knowing it’s temporary and trusting in Him to guide us to where He wants us to be (as Raphael did for Tobias)…

I’ve just seen people in my life who have purposefully sought suffering in their lives… and I don’t know if that’s correct theologically… that’s where I have the most questions…

Interesting subject!

 

[Liberanosamalo]

Have you ever met anyone who hasn’t really suffered?

Yeah, we need suffering. If we want to be like Christ, we need it. We don’t like it. That’s why it’s called suffering. It isn’t fun. But through suffering we learn empathy, understanding, compassion. If we try to learn these lessons. Or we can learn to be bitter and angry from it. Our choice.

We’re no better than Christ or the BVM. So we need it.