p. 1 | The Significance of Suffering

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 20, 1908

The Significance of Suffering

MEN learn to do their noblest, think their deepest, and enjoy their richest by a preparation of suffering.

Suffering, says Samuel Smiles, is doubtless as divinely appointed as joy, while it is much more influential as a discipline of character.

Probably no man ever suffered intensely and long without feeling that in some way he was getting good out of it, being made better, purer, braver, sweeter, more tender, sympathetic, and loyal.

Suffering shows us ourselves, how weak we are, how frail our hold on life, how dependent we are on others, and how necessary it is to live circumspectly.

Suffering lifts us near to God, and we get a better view of Him. We learn how great He is, and how small we are. We see His mercy in our past, because we have suffered so little, and we feel His love in our present, that our suffering is no greater than it is, and that we are becoming wiser by it.

Suffering prepares the way for more perfect joy. It makes us more appreciative. Little pleasures seem greater. Any pleasure at all is a boon to us. We learn our lesson, and become more adept students.

— From “Sunshine All the Year.”