Each and every one of us go through some form of suffering in life. Suffering is part and parcel
of life. We suffer because of illness, growth, lost relationships and many other reasons. While we cannot avoid
suffering, what is more important is how we treat suffering. We
could see suffering as a good or positive thing; or we could see it as a
bad or negative thing.
In today's reading, we are
reminded of the necessity and advantages of suffering. We are told:
"Have you forgotten that encouraging text in which you are addressed as
sons? My son, when the Lord corrects you, do not treat it lightly; but
do not get discouraged when he reprimands you. For the Lord trains the
ones that he loves and he punishes all those that he acknowledges as his
sons. Suffering is part of your training; God is treating you as his
sons. Has there ever been any son whose father did not train him? Of
course, any punishment is most painful at the time, and far from
pleasant; but later, in those on whom it has been used, it bears fruit
in peace and goodness. So hold up your limp arms and steady your
trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread; then the injured limb
will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again."
When we suffer
punishment from God, it is not because God does not like us or is out to
get us, it is because God treats us as His sons and daughters. We are being trained to become better people, and grow closer to God. Let us look at suffering as
something good and worthwhile, for we are being prepared to remain happy
and cared for in God's loving presence.
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