Suffering and the Discernment Process

Indifference towards Love

Becoming people of love >> re-storied

The Connection of Suffering and Discernment

Cf. Jesus at Gethsemane was in genuine discernment

— But it led to a Cross

Ask: “Is this the Cross I am supposed to bear?”

Romans 8:17-31

> Our pain and suffering is an act of participation in the sufferings of Jesus Christ

> But we suffer as ones with hope (pain is only for a season - a robust eschatology >> allow the vision of the end of things to inform and shape today)

>> Creation is groaning for the fullness of time (Cf. KAIROS - the fullness of time)

>>> “Lament for a Son” - instead of explaining our suffering, God shares it.

God uses the process of suffering for transformation, grace, restoration.

Ephesians 3

> Strengthen in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts.