Redemptive suffering Redemptive suffering Redemptive suffering is the Christian belief that human suffering, when accepted and offered up in union with the Passion of Jesus, can remit the just punishment for one's sins or for the sins of another, or for the other physical or spiritual needs of oneself or another. Like an indulgence, redemptive suffering does not gain the individual "forgiveness" for their sin; forgiveness results from God’s grace, freely given through Christ, which cannot be earned. After one's sins are forgiven, the individual's suffering can reduce the "penalty" due for sin. Christians believe that God loves mankind so much that
Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary chose listening to the teachings of Jesus over helping her sister prepare food. Jesus responded that she was right because only "one" thing is needed, "one thing" apparently meaning listening to the teachings of Jesus. This goes in line with words by Jesus that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4), and "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life", meaning eternal life (John 6:63). To simplify, this is frequently interpreted as spiritual values