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"I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall my loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best-Beloved."
Why do we Suffer?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."
Suffering Develops the Soul"Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting."
The Purpose of LifeOur purpose here on earth is to develop our souls so that we are ready for the next world. Tests and difficulties are necessary for this development.
"The one in pursuit of anything must undergo difficulties and hardships until the object in view is attained and the great success is obtained."
Innocent Children"As to the subject of babes and infants...who are afflicted...for those souls there is a recompense in another world...For those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God."
Patience and AcceptanceIf we do not accept the problems which life presents us, and do not use them as means for our development, we will cause ourselves much unnecessary suffering.
"Be patient under all conditions, and place your whole trust and confidence in God." This is from a Bahá'í prayer:
"I beg of Thee, O my God,...O Thou in whose hands are both the visible and invisible kingdoms, to ordain that my choice be conformed to Thy choice, and my wish to Thy wish, that I may be entirely content with that which Thou didst desire, and be wholly satisfied with what Thou didst destine for me by Thy bounteousness and favour." Live in the Spiritual World"Today, humanity is bowed down with trouble, sorrow and grief, no-one escapes; the world is wet with tears; but thank God, the remedy is at our doors. Let us turn our hearts away from the world of matter and live in the spiritual world! It alone can give us freedom! If we are hemmed in by difficulties we have only to call upon God, and by His great Mercy we shall be helped...When our thoughts are filled with the bitterness of this world, let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of God's compassion and He will send us heavenly calm!" Bahá'u'lláh's son, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, was in prison for 40 years because of His beliefs:
"But, thank God, during all those 40 years I was supremely happy. Every day, on waking, it was like hearing good tidings, and every night infinite joy was mine. Spirituality was my comfort, and turning to God was my greatest joy."
The Example of the Messengers of GodEach Messenger of God suffered for the sake of bringing His Message to humanity. Each One sacrificed His self totally to the will of God. Bahá'u'lláh described His own sufferings as follows:"The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most-Merciful." The Desire for SufferingIf we really understand the purpose of our suffering in this life and how to use it, we will reach the stage where we long for tests in order to show our love for God and to draw closer to Him:
"The true lover yearneth for tribulation even as doth the rebel for forgiveness and the sinful for mercy."
The text of all these leaflets remains the copyright of Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. The Bookshop is happy for people to download individual copies for their own purposes. Printed copies can be purchased from the Warwick Bookshop. Individuals or communities wishing to translate or print these leaflets in other countries please contact the Bookshop for permission. |
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