Suffering comes to us for two reasons – either as a consequence of our own actions or as a test sent by God for our spiritual development.
The suffering we bring on ourselves can be physical suffering: “If a man eats too much, he ruins his digestion. If a person gambles he will lose his money.” Or it can be sadness or remorse caused by the way we have behaved or have treated others. Following the laws of God will free us from both these kinds of suffering:
“The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure.”
“Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting.”
“Everything in life ministers to our development. Our lesson is to study and learn… Tests are either stumbling-blocks or stepping-stones, just as we make them.”
“God hath never burdened any soul beyond its power.”
“Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility.”
“Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit.”
“Those who suffer most, attain to the greatest perfection…“
