Pain And Suffering

MON., NOV. 19, 1990, 10:50 AM
OFFICE, PULLIAM HALL

Within the statements of feelings about death that you just have read and typed were a number of mentions of pain and suffering. I have offered you Teachings on these themes before, but you found them in both columns, so I’d best comment again. That is, some had positive feelings about death because it would mean the end of pain and suffering. Others offered as a negative comment that dying could be a time of pain and suffering.

I, the Holy Spirit, am aware of much pain and suffering in the earth. Yet in My “widest possible view of earth life” I don’t see it as a major problem. That is, the number of persons suffering in pain is small compared to those for whom life is good. And, I say again, the earth realm was designed as one in which spirits would have to suffer and be in pain… potentially. There are realms where pain and suffering have no place, and these can be quite valuable. It can even be a great challenge to lead an earth life with little suffering… the challenge to be appreciative and give of yourself to others and to Me in that appreciation.

Some pain is just accidental. The body can be hurt in this earth, and pain may be the result. Some people have low thresholds of pain, so that they suffer more from some accidents than do others. The other side of this is that some bodies send forth more internal secretions that manage pain naturally. And some secrete less of these chemicals.

Some pain is karmic in origin. That is, having been the cause of pain to others in a previous life and wanting to balance this behavior in a new life, a spirit may choose to be incarnated in a body that feels pain acutely or into a person who will be in circumstances that encourage pain. This is not your ordinary Christian doctrine, but it is part of My revelation to you, o odd-Presbyterian son.

A good deal of pain comes from behaviors, practices, and lifestyles that are chosen by a person. One who puts himself in dangerous situations may well experience pain from some natural consequence. A person who smokes for a number of years may well have lung conditions that are quite painful. Eating foods that not normally a part of one’s diet may bring forth pain the intestinal tract. When the body becomes addicted to or dependent on some substance, even one that initially relieves pain, the withdrawal may be quite painful… and many will continue that addictive behavior to avoid that withdrawal pain.

Obviously there are emotional pains that arise from difficult situations in life. A person who loses a valued job feels true pain. The breakup of a romantic relationship can be painful enough to bring thoughts of suicide. Failure to accomplish certain goals can leave a conscientious, hard-working person in much emotional pain. Pain can be inflicted by others and by social institutions. When you failed Gloria, even justifiably, this decision brought pain to her. A person judged guilty and sent to prison feels pain.

Spiritual pain is the most important form of pain. This is the pain that comes from being apart from Me… and from behaving in ways that do not fulfill what I want of you. Yet spiritual pain can be the means for turning one in directions toward more spiritual growth and fulfillment.

For, finally, the purpose of pain and suffering is consonant with the purpose of earth life, from whence pain comes – spiritual growth and development. Overcoming pain requires the exercise of spirit. Suffering the constancy of pain builds… or retards… spirit. Your sister Joanne is a prime example of one who has lived a life of pain but has grown in spirit from it.

Living a long life tends to allow more circumstances that cause pain. It is a paradox of earth life that a person may survive threats that could have brought earlier, easier death and live to suffer more pain in old age.