A Question about the Redemptive Sufferings of Unbelievers

A reader asks:

Help me out buddy with some theology. Can a non believer’s suffering be redemptive???? I’m struggling to know what to do with the sheer level of real horrific suffering in some family members’ lives, who will not or cannot open their mind to spirituality. The best I can come up with – they are Simon, forced to carry a cross they understand not. Maybe in their dying breath they will see Him face to face.

I don’t see why not. Remember the parable of the two sons. It’s not what they say that matters, it’s what they do. The son who says “no!” but goes and works in the Vineyard (or carries his cross out of love for another) is closer to the kingdom than the one who says “yes” and disobeys. Christianity is a hissing and a scandal right now for many and is hard for many people to connect with anything good. So expressions of Christian piety are difficult for many to connect with God who is the One, True, Good, and Beautiful that they seek. But as long as they continue to seek these things and pursue virtue to the best of their ability, they are seeking him and he is helping them do so (because grace is always prior). Keep praying for them to connect the good they seek with Christ. He has his own timetables. Be not afraid. Christ remains Lord and he loves those you love more than you do.