So in our suffering we should so act that we give our greatest attention to the promise, in order that our cross and affliction may be turned to good, to something which we could never have asked or thought.And this is precisely the thing which makes a difference between the Christian's suffering and afflictions and those of all other men. For other people also have their afflictions, cross, and misfortune, just as they also have their times when they can sit in the rose garden and employ their good fortune and their goods as they please, But when they run into affliction and suffering, they have nothing to comfort them, for they do not have the mighty promises and the confidence in God which Christians have.
Martin Luther, 1483-1546, Sermon at Coburg on Cross and Suffering, 1530 (translated by John W. Doberstein, Luther's Works, Helmut T, Lehmann, editor, Muhlenberg Press, 1959, Vol. 51, Sermons 1, p. 201)
What are the right ways for Christians to approach suffering? What are the wrong ones?
a prayer to forgive myself
4 hours ago
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