Why is suffering redemptive?

[arunangelo]

Suffering is redemptive because Jesus redeemed us from sin through His suffering. Jesus invites us to join Him in His redemptive work by allowing us to enter into His suffering (which we encounter while doing His work) (Colossians 1:24). Therefore, to be worthy of Christ we must deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38 & 16:24; Mark 8:34; & Luke 9:23 and 14:27). Even the personal sufferings we encounter in life when suffered with faith in Christ (which means that we believe that God will bring out of our suffering) is redeeming because it produces endurance, character and hope (Romans 5:2-3); enables us to overcome sin; and enables us to share in His life (1Peter 4:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:19-21). Quite often we are afraid of suffering, however we must remember that Jesus will lighten our burden (if we trust Him) (Matthew 11:30); and that the sufferings of the present is nothing compared to the glory that awaits those who trust Him (Romans 8:18).

 

[AliciaCL]

I wouldn’t challenge your view of redemptive suffering but I understand it slightly differently. I think of it kind of like a ransom that we can “pay” for our sins or the sins of others living, (or deceased and awaiting final purification in Purgatory). JP II wrote an apostolic letter on redemptive suffering which is detailed in scriptural references and analysis. Also, there is the diary of St. Faustina. She claims to have had regular visions and communications with God, who asked her to undergo deep suffering and even experience the pains of His crucifixion. She did so, without any outward appearance to other nuns at the time. (late 1930’s in Poland). She had some appearances by people in Purgatory who asked her to pray for them. She was given the knowledge that her prayers and her suffering had actually helped “save” many souls.

Not being a theologian, I think that suffering is redemptive because, through mental realization of sin and sorrow for succumbing to it, we are allowed to help ourselves and as a united body of Christ, and perhaps with the communion of saints. The “help” that suffering is our consciously offering of it in sorrowful “payment,” or restitution, for sin. We are sorry for what we’ve done, for what others have done, even without thier realization, God permits us to help each other in this way. That’s why praying for someone else “helps.” Redemptive suffereing can only happen with the undersanding that the suffering can be used, “offered up” and applied toward the debt of sin (for ourselves and/or others).

 

[sandraoh]

A prominant Anglican priest once said that the only denomination that had any idea what to do with the presence of suffering in the world are the Roman Catholics. Most other Christian
leaders are unable to confront it and find meaning in it. I think this is true.