No matter what your religious beliefs may be, it’s safe to say that suffering is a part of life. We all experience hardship and pain, and it can often be difficult to see the silver lining. But what if we told you that suffering could actually be a good thing? In this blog post, we’ll explore the idea that growing towards God always involves suffering. We’ll look at how suffering can help us grow closer to God and how it can ultimately lead to a better life.
What does it mean to grow towards God?
When we grow towards God, it means that we are constantly becoming more like Him. This process often involves suffering, because as we become more Christ-like, we will inevitably face persecution and trials. However, it is through these sufferings that we become more compassionate and loving, just as Christ was. As we grow closer to God, we also come to better understand His will for our lives and how to follow Him.
What is the relationship between suffering and growth?
It is often said that suffering is a necessary part of growth. This may be true in some cases, but it is not always the case. Suffering can be a result of choices we make that lead to negative consequences. It can also be caused by external factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters or the actions of others.
In some cases, suffering may lead to growth. For example, if we go through a difficult experience and come out stronger for it, we may have grown as a result of that suffering. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, people do not grow from their suffering; instead, they become bitter and resentful.
It is important to remember that God does not cause suffering. While He may allow it to happen in our lives, He does not do so because He wants us to suffer. Rather, He allows us to suffer because He knows that it can lead to growth and maturity if we let it.
What are some examples of how suffering can lead to growth?
When we suffer, we often feel as though we are being punished. We may even believe that we deserve our suffering. However, in many cases, suffering can be a blessing in disguise. It can lead us to grow closer to God and to become better people.
Here are some examples of how suffering can lead to growth:
1. Suffering can help us to develop empathy and compassion.
When we see others going through difficult times, it can be easy to feel grateful that we are not in their shoes. However, when we ourselves suffer, we can develop a greater understanding of what others are going through. We may also be more likely to offer them support and compassion.
2. Suffering can teach us patience and perseverance.
Suffering often tests our patience and perseverance. We may have to wait for a long time for our situation to improve, or we may have to keep going even when we feel like giving up. This experience can teach us valuable lessons about endurance and fortitude.
3. Suffering can help us to let go of attachments and material possessions.
When things that we are attached to are taken away from us, it can be painful. However, this experience can also help us to realize that these things are not as important as we thought they were. We may also come to appreciate the things that we do have more fully.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
Yes, there are exceptions to this rule. Although growing towards God usually involves some form of suffering, there are times when it does not. For example, if you are already living a holy life and are doing everything you can to grow closer to God, then you may not experience much suffering. Or, if you have suffered enough in your life and have grown as much as you can from it, then you may not suffer anymore. There are also times when God allows us to go through suffering so that we can help others who are suffering.
Does growing towards God always involve suffering?
As Christians, we are called to grow in our relationship with God. This growth does not always come easy. In fact, often times it involves suffering.
Suffering can take many forms. It may be physical, like when we are sick or injured. It may be emotional, like when we are going through a difficult time in our life. It may even be spiritual, like when we feel far from God.
No matter what form it takes, suffering is a part of the human experience. And as Christians, we are called to grow through our suffering.
When we suffer, we can choose to turn to God or away from Him. If we turn towards Him, He will help us to grow in our faith and relationship with Him. If we turn away from Him, our suffering will only become harder to bear.
So if you are currently suffering, know that you are not alone. Christ suffered on the cross for us, and He knows what it is like to suffer. Turn to Him in your time of need and He will help you to grow through your sufferings.
Conclusion
No matter what our individual circumstances may be, it is always possible to grow closer to God. Sometimes this growth will involve suffering, but not always. If we are open to God’s grace and love, we can grow closer to Him even in the midst of difficulties. Ultimately, though, it is up to each of us to decide how we will respond to the challenges and joys that come our way. Will we let them draw us closer to God, or will we allow them to pull us away? The choice is ours.
