We Learn From Suffering

by: Winston T. Capel, M.D., MBA, FACS, FAANS Neurosurgery

University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metric and Evaluation (IHME) observed: “Despite the fact that people around the world are living longer, they are also expected to spend more time suffering from diseases and other conditions.”

As humans we all share common life experiences. Universal to life for all of us are: physical suffering, disease and death. There are no exemptions or immunization from these but there is much variation as to what kind and how severe our suffering and afflictions will be. It is natural to ask why this suffering takes place. I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ does provide many of the answers to the “why” we suffer. When we view suffering through a spiritual lens our spiritual growth can increase in higher and holier ways. This growth is one of the fundamental purposes of life on earth. We all have an intrinsic spiritual need to see a divine design to life and its experiences.

We know from the scriptures that Christ suffered pain, temptation and afflictions of every kind while on earth (see Hebrews 2: 17-18). It is by His own deep and very personal experience suffering “all things in the flesh” that he knows how to “succor” us perfectly. I have observed from my experiences as a neurosurgeon dealing with some of the most catastrophic diseases and injuries known to man that the Lord is involved in the details of our lives. He stands with open arms desiring to bless those who suffer and those who assist him in the care of those that suffer disease and afflictions experienced by all. In my opinion, much is learned by those who suffer and those that care for them that suffer. This learning prepares us for life with the Savior for all eternity. Anything that we suffer or experience in this life that better prepares us for life without end with Him is of unfathomable value. In my opinion there are at least 5 things we learn from pain, disease and physical affliction. In the curriculum of this life, designed to prepare us for life with Him, these experiences are not meant to be Torture 101 but Discipleship 600 series. We are all involved in upper level course work in discipleship as we humbly and faithfully submit to these experiences as followers of Christ.

What We Learn From Physical Disease, Affliction, and Suffering

1. We cannot cope with nor can these conditions be treated without His help. This reliance upon Him increases our faith and trust in him in ways that only these experiences can. This increase in Faith has eternal value and consequences. This increased Faith will fortify us for future experiences. Faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. Our suffering creates empathy for those who suffer around us. Empathy is earned from experience, like all elements of discipleship it is portable and is to be applied. Our application of these elements is essential as we strive to assist the Lord in the care of His children. Empathy assists us in our striving to have charity which the scriptures define as the “pure love of Christ.” Without the experience of our own personal suffering or the experience gained when we serve those who suffer it is very difficult to have this Christ like understanding of those who suffer. Those who suffer understand those who suffer like we understand language dialects. There is a dialect of those that suffer. Our challenge is to learn this dialect (the language of suffering) so we can notice, understand and strengthen those whose hands hang low from disease and affliction. (see Hebrews 12:12)

3. Because we suffer we have a greater appreciation of the physical, emotional and spiritual suffering of Christ. Although we suffer microscopically compared to his exponential suffering it is designed to give us a reverential appreciation of His suffering for us. He suffered to redeem us (from physical death through the resurrection and from spiritual death caused by sin making repentance and thus forgiveness possible). A second reason for his suffering is the added experience of learning first hand by his sufferings, how to succor (aid and assist us) even in his perfection. He too learned from the things he experienced while on the earth even while being perfect (see Luke 2:40). He was tutored by the Father in all things (see John 5:19). It is by His grace that he helps us in ways that only he can.

4. We know that all mankind will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). These resurrected bodies will no longer be subject to pain, disease and death. So for the eternities we will enjoy a body without pain, disease and death. What an unimaginable blessing, a gift from God. Our appreciation of this eternal state would be impossible had we not suffered in this life.

5. For those who worry and care for those afflicted with disease there is an invitation from the Lord to be “instruments of grace.” When we are serving our fellowman we are serving Him. (see Matt 25:35-36,40). We draw closer to Him as we do what he would do if he were physically present. His life was spent in the process of healing and comforting the afflicted. Grace is divine help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ we receive strength to endure and grow in His desired ways through His Grace. Grace is an enabling power to receive strength and assistance in the empathetic service to the afflicted that we otherwise would not be able to do or sustain if left to our own means. This grace also helps us in infinite ways, the majority of the help is unseen and unrecognized. We would be overwhelmed if we could see the help and assistance that comes from the Lord through his grace. It is our privilege and opportunity to assist him by faithfully enduring affliction and serving the afflicted as he did for us. Our greatest expression of our adoration for Him is our emulation of Him.