Shackled to Suffering and Loneliness?

In reading the biography of Joseph from the Genesis account, we see him coping with slavery, being sentenced to indefinite imprisonment and facing a possible lifetime separation from his family. All of this came about because of his brothers’ hatred. They believed he got what was coming to him, so they cared less what he had to endure.

I'm sure Joseph resented his brothers in return for the suffering he had tolerated. Suffering is as much a part of life as is pleasure. Parents suffer seeing their children experience unhappiness regardless of its source. As adults we must learn to cope with suffering brought on by life’s uncertainties and conflicts that cannot be avoided.

Hate, anger and resentment build bridges to alienation and suffering that are capable of being prolonged indefinitely. Being unwilling to forgive shackles you to a wall of loneliness where love and affection will diminish. Joseph chose to forgive his brothers by stepping out in faith, believing God would bless him for doing so. That can be your choice.  

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Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 Good News Bible

But that’s not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.

~Romans 5:3-5 Good News Bible

Resilience: Character Strength for Survival - Part 2

Suffering is inescapable. Most people experience a balance between suffering and pleasure which life generates for each of us. Very few people enjoy suffering or deliberately seek it out, yet there are those who seem to be stuck in its embrace. Resilience is a character attribute that makes it possible to manage suffering.

Listen to Saint Paul from Philippians 3. "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering." This empowered Paul to finish the task Jesus commissioned him to do. Listen to his determination. "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Resilience is so ingrained that giving up is unthinkable.

You can be empowered by Christ Jesus to endure hardships and suffering. Regardless of how drastic your situation may be, God will help you reap the benefits of growing stronger in your faith as you mature, grow stronger, become kinder, and learn to care for others. Achieving these strengths of character is a worthy objective.