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PJM
Guest
Does suffering have a purpose, or is it just the human condition?
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Monergistic
Guest
Sometimes suffering is just what it is- part of God’s permissive will. But other times, and especially when Christians are doing what God wants them to, suffering is something that God puts in your life in order to show forth the Gospel. Christ suffered for the redemption of the world, and nothing is lacking in His ability to atone for sin through that suffering. But what is lacking is suffering on display. So when God ordains suffering for a purpose, it is not to give us an opportunity to somehow atone for sin- it is how we can point the way. It is suffering for the sake of people seeing Christ. We don’t suffer with the purpose of propitiation, but propagation. Through this propagation (not propitiation), we fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. So when a person (maybe you) is evangelizing and suffering in the process, that suffering is sometimes more than an unhappy coincidence or a necessary evil. It can serve a purpose, because the Gospel can be spread by means of suffering as opposed to just being in spite of it.
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Marie5890
Guest
Suffering in and of itself does not. But it can be redeemed to something greater by the grace of God
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PietroPaolo
Guest
This.
Purposes such as:
1 - making us aware of Christ’s suffering ( though different)
2 - helping us be aware of the suffering of others
3 - it has, recently, reminded me of how we are to treat and love others, both
when we are suffering and when we are not
Jon
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GaryTaylor
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JordanRogers
Guest
Second time posting this today, read whitelilyoftrinity.com/saints_quotes_suffering.html
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Marie5890
Guest
To be fair, it doesnt always do all of that, although it has the potential…
I’ve known many who become bitter, others profoundly depressed, others suicidal etc etc…
As with most human conditions, painting as a black and white issue makes it far to simplistic…
So becareful not to romantisize it, or glamorize it, or even glorify it.
Suffering is just that. Suffering.
I’ve known many who become bitter, others profoundly depressed, others suicidal etc etc…
As with most human conditions, painting as a black and white issue makes it far to simplistic…
So becareful not to romantisize it, or glamorize it, or even glorify it.
Suffering is just that. Suffering.
True, so when one has handled suffering in a way that is not
Destructive, here then is a chance to help someone
Who is struggling.
Jon
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Richca
Guest
On the other hand St Paul said “But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
St Teresa of Avila said “to suffer or to die.”
Jesus Christ redeemed the world through His passion and death.
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FabiusMaximus
Guest
I recall Paul begging God in Corinthians to remove a “thorn” at his side that was giving him great suffering, but God did not do so.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Nobody said it would be easy.
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Edward_H
Guest
Does joy have a purpose?
If we think it’s just to make us feel good…we may have a low shooting, self oriented, maybe selish understanding of joy.
Joy should increase our gratitude, humility, or desire to help others.
Suffering can do and should do the same thing
All should cause closer union with God.
Do we sanctify our feelings or don’t we? Do we give them a supernatural meaning or not?
If we think it’s just to make us feel good…we may have a low shooting, self oriented, maybe selish understanding of joy.
Joy should increase our gratitude, humility, or desire to help others.
Suffering can do and should do the same thing
All should cause closer union with God.
Do we sanctify our feelings or don’t we? Do we give them a supernatural meaning or not?
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marimagi
Guest
I believe that suffering exists because we live in a world where God has given us free will and wherever there is free will, some people will choose to do things that hurt others, and/or their actions and inactions will impact others.
I don’t believe that God says, “Let’s give _____ such and such today.” I think that such and such happens. Sometimes it is tragic. When we are hurting, God is especially close to us, offering comfort and helping us to see how we can use our painful experiences for good. When we suffer, I believe He sheds tears with us, and sends us heavenly help.
I don’t believe that God says, “Let’s give _____ such and such today.” I think that such and such happens. Sometimes it is tragic. When we are hurting, God is especially close to us, offering comfort and helping us to see how we can use our painful experiences for good. When we suffer, I believe He sheds tears with us, and sends us heavenly help.
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cheezey
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Monergistic
Guest
Always like really always, like best of all possible worlds always? Or is there a qualification that makes it fall somewhat short of that?
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GaryTaylor
Guest
Always as in God created you to exist, For “His” purpose, you are not able to not exist. “We have a house not made with hands, eternal in Heaven”
Suffering brings one into direct contact with God. Its how you view the perspective of the physical and spiritual where the dilemma resides.
Purification. Too Catholic sounding?
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