Depending on the perspective of the individual suffering can either prove beneficial or futile. Personally, I feel that suffering is beneficial as it can teach an individual about themselves, the world, and if so inclined, bring them closer to God. Suffering teaches a person to avoid painful stimuli and thus injury or death. Suffering teaches a person compassion and humility, and thus they develop more meaningful and productive relationships. Suffering teaches an individual that their time on earth is not meaningless, that there is an almighty God, and it is not his or her place to question God’s plan for them or the world. It is true, suffering can teach an individual many lessons, however it is up to the individual to reflect upon their
…show more content…
It is through pain that we learn many of life’s harsh lessons, whether that be physical, emotional or mental torment. When an individual experiences physical pain, such as burning themselves on a stove, they learn to avoid touching super-heated objects as the painful burn was unpleasant and they wish to avoid this experience in future (Williams, 2008). This is obviously of benefit to the individual as avoiding such dangers will teach them survival skills and prevent further injury and potential death. It can also be said that experiencing emotional or mental torment are important factors in human development. In Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development he states that for one to progress to the next developmental stage of life, one must first navigate a specific crisis (Mcleod, 2013). Erikson believed that to develop mental maturity an individual must face hardships and suffering and learn how to overcome these experiences. It is not only avoidance that an individual learns from pain and suffering, as St Paul wrote to the Romans: “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope” (Romans 5:3 New International Version). Suffering teaches the individual not only to protect itself, it teaches humility and compassion so that they are better equipped to help
It is through pain that we learn many of life’s harsh lessons, whether that be physical, emotional or mental torment. When an individual experiences physical pain, such as burning themselves on a stove, they learn to avoid touching super-heated objects as the painful burn was unpleasant and they wish to avoid this experience in future (Williams, 2008). This is obviously of benefit to the individual as avoiding such dangers will teach them survival skills and prevent further injury and potential death. It can also be said that experiencing emotional or mental torment are important factors in human development. In Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development he states that for one to progress to the next developmental stage of life, one must first navigate a specific crisis (Mcleod, 2013). Erikson believed that to develop mental maturity an individual must face hardships and suffering and learn how to overcome these experiences. It is not only avoidance that an individual learns from pain and suffering, as St Paul wrote to the Romans: “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope” (Romans 5:3 New International Version). Suffering teaches the individual not only to protect itself, it teaches humility and compassion so that they are better equipped to help