Some Thoughts On Suffering

WED., MAR. 4, 1992, 8:49 AM
OFFICE, PULLIAM HALL

Though I prefer that you come for these Teachings in your first waking hour of the day I also appreciate your developing this “sub-ritual” where you utilize the quiet of your office, and as today, you come to Me after a fellowship of Bible study. This doesn’t mean that I must comment on elements of your “lesson,” but, because I continually encourage this sort of study I shall accept this opportunity of commenting on an issue you raised.

Suffering is a part of the human experience in the earth. When all of the forms of suffering are considered it can be affirmed that no one who lives a reasonable number of years can escape from at least some suffering. So there are some who suffer very little. I’d say you fit into this “category.” You suffered during the teenage years of your last three sons, and you suffered with Peter’s death, and yet, in terms of your appreciation of life experiences, these have become virtual blessings. You have had no major illness. Your disabilities have been occasionally painful, but this has not been unbearable or lasting. You have learned from these, so they also have become minor blessings.

At the other end of the human continuum are some who suffer rather continuously or with great “fervor.” I use that term because in many such cases of deep suffering I see, from My unique vantage point, a lot of self-pity and an unwillingness to accept My grace and move on in positive ways of living. One of the true tests of your faith in Me and your enlightenment about life is the capacity, even the desire, to overcome suffering… with the reality of relationship with Me.

Humans have varying capacities to overcome suffering. The physical fact of different thresholds of pain is one basic factor. Another important one is prenatal and early childhood experiences with love and acceptance. As you grow up with a strong sense of being loved and valued you are less likely to suffer from the words and actions of others… less likely to interpret others’ words and actions as rejection and scorn. In social and emotional realms if you don’t “practice” suffering early it comes “much less naturally” later in life.

Yet I’ll emphasize again that the key factor in suffering much or suffering little is the spiritual, and, particularly, your relationship with Me. A strong spirit means a strong sense of self, a relatedness to others and to this tangible earth and even to other spirit “helpers.” It gives an understanding that positive growth comes about when concern for others and for Me is more dominant than concern for yourself and your “problems.” I want you to appreciate life fully, even those occasions and incidents that seem to invoke suffering. I want you to live life with vigor…and also with a gentle lightness. Feel suffering if it is real, but move through it as quickly as possible, a true exercise of your faith.

Consider this thought: would it be good if you were suffering more because of this odd relationship with Me? Supposing I said; “Bob, I want you to ‘go public.’ I want you to declare to your fellow Presbyterians and to your family and secular friends and professional colleagues that you have access to the Source of Truth, and all should at least consider what I say through you.” You can imagine that you’d suffer from rejection, and also from too fervent acceptance. It would be difficult for you to deal with stern challenges, from non-believers and from TRUE believers. You might find yourself accepted and valued by only a “remnant,” some of whom you would have difficulty valuing. Yes, o son, this would be spiritual suffering for you, even as it would give you experiences like those of Jesus, Paul, Peter, and others of the apostle-breed.