"...
we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we
despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in
ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in
God..."
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Most of us need the chastening of
affliction. Pain is wonderful revealer. It teaches us many
things we never could have known, if we had not been called to
endure it. It opens windows
through which we see, as we never saw before -- the beautiful
things of God's love.
Many of the finest things in character, are the fruits of pain.
Many a Christian enters trial -- cold,
worldly, unspiritual--and emerges from the experience a little
later, with spirit softened, mellowed, and spiritually enriched.
Sanctified afflictions soften the harshness and sharpness of
one's character. They consume the dross of selfishness and
worldliness. They humble pride. They temper carnal ambitions.
They quell
fierce passions. They show to us the evil of our own heart,
revealing our weaknesses, faults, and
blemishes -- and making us aware of our spiritual danger. They
discipline the wayward spirit.
Sorrow draws its sharp ploughshare through the heart, cutting
deep and long furrows -- and the
heavenly Sower follows with the seeds of godly virtues. Then by
and by, fruits of righteousness
spring up.
Sorrow has a tenderizing influence. It makes us gentle and
kindly toward each other. In no other
school, do our hearts learn the lessons of patience, tolerance,
and forbearance so quickly as in the
school of suffering.
"It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I could learn
Thy statutes."
Psalm 119:71
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