suffering

Jim Meredith on why accept suffering?

1) Suffering softens the human spirit. There is so often an indefinable fragrance which wafts around people who have suffered. Their fragrance is the aroma of the suffering Christ. It is meek, gentle, and infectious. I hope I exude this fragrance; I desire it for you as well.

2) Suffering gives opportunity to worship. We noted this past summer in studying Job, that after receiving the calamitous news of the death of his sons and the loss of all he possessed, he fell on his knees and worshipped God (Job 1). Focus on that for a moment; is it not indescribably poignant?

3) Our suffering allows us to identify with Christ, and experience the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death (Philippines 3). In death and suffering emerges victory. Life emerges from the pain of death; it can be no other way; God planned it so.

4) Suffering aids self-examination. God does not mind our asking why. ‘Whys’ of His children lead to deeper truth and trust. We are often given the cup of suffering to learn firsthand our responsibilities of stewardship and the dire consequences of living life, humming, ‘I did it my way’.

5) Our suffering leads us to consider the impact of our lives on others. We are not always the oppressed; we can oppress others. Columnist George Will said recently, ‘This is an age of social autism, in which people just can’t see the value of imagining their impact on others’. God help us! Deliberate or unconscious infliction of suffering on the unprotected and undeserving is cruelty of the rankest order.

6) Mutual suffering can build longterm relationships and enhance community. Suffering shared is half the pain quite often. Walking in another’s shoes promotes understanding, steers honest criticism, and bonds suffering saints together.

7) Suffering often uniquely advances the kingdom of God.

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