This is the reason why there was no rancor and bitterness in Jesus, only a quiet assertion of the truth.
This is the reason why there were no harsh words against his persecutors, only words of intercession and forgiveness.
This is the reason why despite his disfigured appearance, he emanated a quiet dignity that made the centurion say, "truly, this was an upright man" (Lk 23:47).
Suffering is and will always be a part of our life. And suffering comes in many forms.
We can let suffering make us bitter, vindictive, abusive or indifferent. But if we choose any of these options we make suffering victor over us.
There is another way, and that is the way of Jesus: to look at suffering with its redemptive value. When we choose this, we don't let suffering overcome us. Then we can look at suffering in the eye and, like Jesus, say, "No one takes my life away from me. I give it up freely".
Then we suffer with dignity.
And this is what makes the difference between victims and martyrs.
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