Suffering and it's purpose?

[ethelzguy]

We are often taught, and believe, that we should “offer up” our various sufferings in life to God.

We also strive to offer comfort to those in pain or distress. Many believe that we do this in order to be more Christ-like, as Jesus was well known in the Gospels for comforting others through alleviation of their suffering.

Could it be considered, then, that perhaps our own personal suffering isn’t so much about US, as it is an opportunity for others to be Christ-like by offering their comfort to us?

 

[Baptista]

I think it’s both.

 

[Della]

We are often taught, and believe, that we should “offer up” our various sufferings in life to God.

We also strive to offer comfort to those in pain or distress. Many believe that we do this in order to be more Christ-like, as Jesus was well known in the Gospels for comforting others through alleviation of their suffering.

Could it be considered, then, that perhaps our own personal suffering isn’t so much about US, as it is an opportunity for others to be Christ-like by offering their comfort to us?

Yes to both. But I think I understand where you are going with this. When we are suffering and others give us comfort, it gives them the opportunity of being Christ-like to us, but it also gives us the opportunity to receive such comfort in humility. We moderns, especially we Americans, have a “John Wayne” attitude about standing on our own two feet. We take it as a point of pride that we can care for ourselves (including our families). But this isn’t the biblical model, is it? Of course we should work and provide for our families, but we must also be open to receiving the ministering of others when we need it, as well as giving it to others.

 

[fhansen]

Suffering for me has the effect of turning me more towards God. I think He is nearest at those times and I might not even bend my knee if not for them. On the other hand, suffering can have the opposite effect- of turning people away from God. In any case I love the Churchs’ teaching of embracing it because we’re bound to experience suffering one way or the other in this life.

 

[reen12]

quote: ethelzguy

Could it be considered, then, that perhaps our own personal suffering isn’t so much about US, as it is an opportunity for others to be Christ-like by offering their comfort to us?

I think that it is both/and, rather than an either/or, ethelzguy.

For one thing, often those who have great suffering in life
are those who offer comfort to others - if for no other reason
than that such individuals comprehend what constitutes profound suffering -
and they may offer empathic response, rather than valued sympathy.

It is said that Mother Teresa of Calcutta lived, for decades,
without a sense of God present to her. A kind of inner darkness.
Was not this sense of abandonment - that she experienced for many decades,
a great impetus to empathize with - and to rescue - those who had been
abandoned in the streets to die? Did she know what abandonment felt like?

There was a photograph taken of Mother Teresa holding an emaciated toddler.

stanford.edu/group/ivfaculty/Essays/mtki0.jpg

I was struck by the similar fascial expressions, in both Mother and this child.
She was not only caring for him in his need for love and food and shelter and
human warmth, she knew how he felt.

reen12

 

[srferdave]

Yes to both. But I think I understand where you are going with this. When we are suffering and others give us comfort, it gives them the opportunity of being Christ-like to us, but it also gives us the opportunity to receive such comfort in humility. We moderns, especially we Americans, have a “John Wayne” attitude about standing on our own two feet. We take it as a point of pride that we can care for ourselves (including our families). But this isn’t the biblical model, is it? Of course we should work and provide for our families, but we must also be open to receiving the ministering of others when we need it, as well as giving it to others.

I definitely agree with you here. Let me expand on this by saying, suffering helps us to grow closer together as a family. If we try to tough it out ourselves we are not allowing God to intervene in strengthening our bound as one family. As much as I hate suffering. I love God’s purpose for it. It is an amazing miracle how God works through suffering.

 

[ethelzguy]

I definitely agree with you here. Let me expand on this by saying, suffering helps us to grow closer together as a family. If we try to tough it out ourselves we are not allowing God to intervene in strengthening our bound as one family. As much as I hate suffering. I love God’s purpose for it. It is an amazing miracle how God works through suffering.

Reminds one of the well-known “Footprints” wall hanging, yes?

 

[srferdave]

Reminds one of the well-known “Footprints” wall hanging, yes?

Very much so.

 

[JimO]

Reminds one of the well-known “Footprints” wall hanging, yes?

I agree that it has a dual purpose. The irony of the Footprints passage is that until one suffers, truly suffers, and I mean to the point where you are walking on the beach, see only one set of footprints and are convinced that they are yours and that you are alone, one can read the passage with a sentimentality, but without true understanding. Because, when it comes to emotional and spiritual suffering, in particular, the suffering often comes because one doesn’t perceive that they are being carried. If they knew that Christ was carrying them, the suffering that unites them with Christ would diminish and the sufferer would not be able to experience the tremendous grace of really living “Footprints.” Sorry if that didn’t make much sense, but it’s something I have been going through in recent years.

 

[srferdave]

I agree that it has a dual purpose. The irony of the Footprints passage is that until one suffers, truly suffers, and I mean to the point where you are walking on the beach, see only one set of footprints and are convinced that they are yours and that you are alone, one can read the passage with a sentimentality, but without true understanding. Because, when it comes to emotional and spiritual suffering, in particular, the suffering often comes because one doesn’t perceive that they are being carried. If they knew that Christ was carrying them, the suffering that unites them with Christ would diminish and the sufferer would not be able to experience the tremendous grace of really living “Footprints.” Sorry if that didn’t make much sense, but it’s something I have been going through in recent years.

I agree. The worst kind of emotional suffering is the feeling of being alone.

 

[ethelzguy]

This is an example of what makes bible study classes so interesting. Our group is working on Hebrews. Last night we were discussing the suffering issue, and it hit me like a load of bricks as a lady was describing how she offers up her suffering…that those who assist the suffering have a very specific biblical role as well.

Sometimes you wander off on a tangent, but find some interesting things…

Pretty neat stuff.

 

[thistle]

We are often taught, and believe, that we should “offer up” our various sufferings in life to God.

We also strive to offer comfort to those in pain or distress. Many believe that we do this in order to be more Christ-like, as Jesus was well known in the Gospels for comforting others through alleviation of their suffering.

Could it be considered, then, that perhaps our own personal suffering isn’t so much about US, as it is an opportunity for others to be Christ-like by offering their comfort to us?

I recommend the following books:

Making Sense Out Of Suffering by Peter Kreeft
Arise From Darkness by Father Benedict Groeschel

 

[Joannm]

If you want to read something on the meaning of suffering you can’t get much better than this:

vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris_en.html