Suffering

At times my thoughts wonder about suffering in this world. I have pain, illness and tragedy in my own life. I've seen it in countless other lives too. Is there a purpose? Is there something we can do?

Suffering can be long and drawn out, like cancer, depression or poverty. It can come on suddenly, like a fire, flood, accident or natural disaster. But at some point, it will touch each and everyone's life.

Some believe it is punishment from the Divine. I do not agree.

Some believe it is something we bring down on ourselves. In some cases, this may be true, like one driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But why would others suffer for their actions too?

Some believe it's used to teach humanity. Ahh! I can understand that.

• Losing loved ones teaches us to better see, appreciate and strengthen the connections to the ones we still have here.
• Losing our personal possessions teaches us that there are things of this world that we can live without. In fact, there is a lot in this world we cling to that we shouldn't.
• Illness helps us appreciate our moments of health, and gives us empathy for others who are suffering.
• Having little or nothing, does the same. We appreciate what little we have all the more, and empathize with others who are likewise. Those with little will often give a greater percentage of what they have compared to those who have a lot.

I have also wondered if there was something more than this though... If we suffer and learn the lessons, why do we continue to suffer? Why have some suffered their entire lives?

As a Christian, I will always be bombarded by reminders about how much Yeshua (Jesus) the Christ suffered for the sins of the world, through humiliation, rejection and crucifixion.

Can our own humble suffering do the same, even if on a smaller degree?

In my other blog's post Steps to Heaven, I share one answer I have found. In short, our suffering creates opportunity for others to be kind, help, and do good in this world. Through it, another ascends the steps to Heaven.

I have also read teaching that we can offer our suffering for those in purgatory, as a means of getting them through their personal suffering and reach Heaven faster. Can we not likewise offer the same as a means to spiritually help our brothers and sisters who currently walk the world with us, or even those who have yet to be born? After all, God and much of the spiritual side of our nature is actually outside of space and time.

Please let me note: I do not not mean that one should cut, self-mutilate or otherwise inflict corporeal punishment on oneself. Personally, I find that disturbing and cannot see any good from it, other than the fact some do it out of their Love for God. They mistakenly believe it is what God and/or Yeshua wants of them, to share in Christ's suffering in that way.

Others do it because they hate their flesh, which is equally sad and mistaken. Some hate the flesh because they hate themselves; such self-loathing is a suffering illness itself. :*(

The other mindset is because people want to punish (or "correct") the flesh, not understanding that the flesh is not what they believe. The ego / self-pride is the source through which we are tempted. The body is a tool through which we interact with our brothers and sisters in this existence. It does not control us unless we believe it controls us. In which case, we are punishing the body for our belief that we are controlled by it; and in turn only hurt ourselves more. :*(

But aside from this practice, there is and will be suffering in our lives. We can let it wither our spirit as well as our strength, or we can find a way through which even our suffering can be used to a greater benefit for all.