The Catholic Book Club discussion

4. Do you believe that there is ever an instance where suffering is wasted on mere suffering?

I think that God can always use a difficult situation to bring good, like the way in which a beautiful rose emerges from its thorns. An unexpected moment of joy may arise from the ashes. A person can also grow spiritually through suffering, strengthening him/her as a soldier for Christ and child of God. As the individual grows closer to God through that situation, it will likely increase his humility, one of the most important aspects necessary to lead a life directed toward saintliness.

Excellent reflection, Sarah! I completely agree.

Whether suffering is going to be "wasted" or a part of God's greater plan for our lives depends on how we respond to it and whether we humbly seek that plan, or at least his next step for us!

Jill wrote: "Whether suffering is going to be "wasted" or a part of God's greater plan for our lives depends on how we respond to it and whether we humbly seek that plan, or at least his next step for us!"

I agree with Jill. Whether or not suffering is wasted is dependent on how we respond. But lacking perfect knowledge it is never possible for us to say whether suffering is wasted in a particular case.