When asked what they consider to be "suffering," many people point to illness, bereavement, social conditions, or a sense of powerlessness. Clinical psychologist Alan Chan explains that suffering is an abstract concept, encompassing hardship, pain, distress, and loneliness. In English, it can be translated as "pain" or "suffering."
Because "suffering" lacks an objective definition, Alan notes that it is best described through an individual's personal experience. He points out that our diverse backgrounds shape how we perceive the world; even in the same situation, one person may feel deep suffering while another does not—much like how people have different feelings and understandings of life in Hong Kong. Can faith help people face suffering? Alan responds that it depends on how faith is integrated into one's psychological system. For some, faith acts as a rigid moral standard, leading them to blame themselves for failing to "rejoice always." For others, faith is a source of God's love and care, where identifying with the suffering of Christ provides support. He also notes that faith can sometimes serve as a defense mechanism, where individuals bury their emotions under constant service and scripture reading, leading to a fragmented self. "When faith is disconnected from one's inner world, it fails to shine light into every corner of the room."
▍ Do not let yourself be alone. How can we face the feeling of suffering? Alan suggests several dimensions: First, relationships. Suffering can draw people closer to one another and to God. Those who suffer need to be heard, understood, and have their emotions validated. "When you are suffering, do not let yourself be alone." Even Jesus sought the company of his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane; if Christ needed companionship, so do we. Second, awareness. We must process our inner feelings—identifying what causes our suffering and what thoughts arise from it—to gradually navigate our emotions. Third, the body. Emotions often manifest physically, such as chest pain. One can try to distribute that tension to other parts of the body, using more of oneself to carry the burden. From a psychological perspective, Alan believes that suffering can bring people closer together. While trauma can lead to PTSD, it can also lead to "post-traumatic growth," as life's challenges train our inner and spiritual resilience. Furthermore, because everyone interprets suffering differently, it carries personal significance, reflecting what we value most. Suffering is an invitation to reflect on life and know ourselves better. Alan encourages everyone: "Do not be in a hurry to push suffering away, for it is a process of understanding yourself."
▍ Suffering in life is like a mark of the Lord's glory. As a Christian, Alan views suffering as a humbling experience. It reminds us that whether we are facing internal struggles or external circumstances, human ability is limited, and we must kneel and look to the Lord, praying for His presence. "When we face suffering, we desperately need strength, and for believers, that strength comes from God." He encourages people in the midst of suffering not to focus solely on their own pain, but to look at what God is doing through it. "When we are in suffering, it is like holding a dot on a piece of paper so close to our eyes that we see nothing but the pain." He uses a parable: God gave a farmer the power to control the weather. The farmer provided perfect sunshine and just the right amount of rain, but the crops withered. God explained that the farmer had removed the thunder that scared away mice, the storms that washed away harmful soil toxins, and the gales that pruned the weak branches. "No one wants suffering in their life, but these trials may be pruning us so that we can become more like Christ." Alan also notes that while suffering may leave us with scars, Christ’s own wounds remained even in heaven, serving as marks of glory. "I do not want to romanticize pain, but the wounds that suffering leaves on our lives are, in the end, marks that make us resemble the Lord in heaven."
