Paul sounds like a nut case. What makes him seem like he’s from another planet is that he had indeed visited another world. But what of the millions of us who, unlike Paul, have never visited heaven? How can we imagine a reward so stupendous as to completely swallow up the most horrendous earthly suffering and even make it seem worthwhile? It is so far beyond our current experience that in a desperate attempt to help provide a vague understanding, the Bible often refers to childbirth. When in the agony of giving birth to her first child, many a woman becomes determined never to have another baby. It seems beyond belief that anything would be worth enduring such pain. Nevertheless, the joy of motherhood makes the pain so worthwhile that later she would grieve bitterly if told she will be granted her former wish of never having another baby. Pain is still awful, but the final reward makes it so worthwhile that she actually chooses to embrace the pain.

Taken from Does God Have Favorites?

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