Abstract
We live our lives in the context of the “already but not yet,” seeking God’s Kingdom in the broken present while anticipating its fulfillment in the future. This fallen context is often occasion for suffering, which God redeems in repurposing suffering for our good. This chapter explores this redemptive repurposing in our formation. Theologically, the emphasis is on the need for a Trinitarian understanding of suffering. The suffering Christ provides a necessary foundation for increasing movement toward glorification. The Holy Spirit prepares individuals for suffering through coming alongside us in our suffering, while also comforting and forming us. Psychological literature draws on post-traumatic growth to explore how suffering of various kinds can lead to character change and reorientation.
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Hall, M.E.L. (2016). Suffering as Formation: The Hard Road to Glory. In: Chandler, D. (eds) The Holy Spirit and Christian Formation. Christianity and Renewal - Interdisciplinary Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42667-9_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42667-9_5
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-42666-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-42667-9
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