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Image of James, your guide for this section

No life is free from all suffering, and my life certainly isn't. We all have situations, people, places, that we can bring to mind and some still bring tears to our eyes. Life can be hard and very painful.

James

Suffering seems to be a part of our lot, our human condition, and has been since the beginning of time. But whilst at times it can seem pointless or unjust, there are times when it can be a positive influence in our lives.

 

If suffering went out of our life, courage, tenderness, pity, faith, patience and love in its divinity would go out of life, too.
Fr Andrew SDC, Pan Dictionay of Quotations, pg.405

 

I've heard people say that they look back on times when they've suffered and feel that they've learnt something from the experience. They sense that at least some good has come out of it.

 

"My parents died when I was pregnant with each of my children. How cruel! I really suffered. However, I make more of my relationships now. It won't bring Mum and Dad back, but their loss taught me an important lesson about making the most of time that we have with people."

Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang: The Abyss

Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang:

The Abyss

Copyright (c) Radiant Light 2004. All rights reserved.

www.radiantlight.org.uk

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Why do people needlessly suffer?:
Life4seekers response

 

Dear God...Thank you for praying. Your prayer is very important to us. Unfortunately all our operators are busy. Please hold, and we will attend to you shortly...

© Chris Morgan www.ncls.org.au

I try to think that some good may come out of even the worst suffering. It's having the resolve to find and see what that good may be.

Some points to ponder...

 

"Why if God is all-loving and has the power to make things better, doesn't he?"

 

"Why do people still cry out with pain if God has the power to stop it?"

 

"But is it God's responsibility to fix everything? Maybe humans should get together and try to make a difference. It's not up to one person alone to change the world."

Red dots

Your guide for this section is James, he asked the same questions. He is single, 36, and was born in Birkenhead Merseyside. Click here to read his story.

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