By Maureen Pratt

Although pain is generally viewed as something negative, when seen through a prism of faith, it carries much deeper and complex meaning. It allows the sufferer to gain greater compassion, grow in strength and courage, and, ultimately, experience the joy of God’s ultimate love. Here are seven ways to find that joy in pain.

Follow Maureen at www.maureenpratt.com and on her Beliefnet blog.