When Is Suffering A Sacrifice

Sufferings and sacrifice sound synonymous as both generally evoke a feeling of unhappiness and misery brought about by mental, emotional or physical pains.  How to distinguish one over the other is based on how one assesses the situation at hand.

One is suffering when he is absorbing and taking in physical, emotional and mental pains brought about by life's trials.  The trouble caused by pain or loss is sometimes too much to bear for someone that this would affect his disposition in life.  At times one would look for anybody or something to pass the blame for these ordeals and tribulations that he is going through. Too much pain and anguish may lead to loss of faith in the goodness and existence of the Almighty and thus find this as a valid excuse to reject the existence of God.  They would question God’s mercy, benevolence and love.    Others assume that suffering is evil influenced and that the afflicted person is guilty of unsavory deeds hence his punishment, a belief which is basically unfounded.

Sacrifice on the other hand is basically offering or giving out something for a greater value.  This one is selfless in nature.  Those who have great faith in God treat this as a way of facing life’s trials and offering this spiritually in union with the suffering that Jesus had for us.  That is, one would look at this as a means to share the cross of Christ and a way of peace offerings to the Lord for all the transgressions that he is guilty of. 

God created us but He gave us the option on how to run our life.   Trials are also tests of faith that will help us become stronger and wiser in playing our roles in life.  A reflection of our actions and reactions that may have brought these circumstances into our lives will give as an insight on how to do it better next time.  Afflictions are usually not accidents but oftentimes upshots of how we handle our lives.  If we try to analyze situations we may discover our inadequacies and thus inspire us to implement measures and adjust our attitude and beliefs towards improving the situation.   God give us faculty and skills to equip us in facing adversity and, intellect to reconsider and learn from the experience.   

For a believer, faith in God is the ultimate strength and means in combating the difficulties of life.  Knowing, loving and trusting Him make a very great difference on how to accept things, see through our adversities, be grateful  for every blessing  and, enjoy our  existence.