Suffering Redemptively

I use the phrase "suffering redemptively" because I want to communicate that we get to choose whether or not we bear fruit through our suffering.  A hedonistic and utilitarian society seeks to avoid suffering (usually through addictions) and misses the chance to move toward redemption.  As such, suffering remains fruitless.  And, in reality, avoiding suffering only defers our grieving and hobbles us in our maturing as persons.  My focus on suffering redemptively is that it is a discipline of the spiritual life in the same kind as vocal prayer or meditative prayer yet one that is tacitly avoided whenever possible in our Christian culture.

" ¹⁶ The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him."  Chapter 8, Romans  NABRE