Sin, Sorrow, and Suffering - Part 4

Suffering is an integral part of life. Once we understand this we no longer need to be upset when we suffer; rather we can seek to find the meaning in our suffering. We can choose our attitude toward our suffering; we can choose how we will bear our crosses when they invariably come. The Savior, who lived a perfect life, suffered more than any other person. Through His suffering He brought salvation to humankind: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9). Christ provided the way to overcome suffering. Christ learned obedience through His suffering and through His suffering He became the Way to eternal life and salvation. In and through Christ we find strength and power to overcome suffering in this life. John the Revelator told of the comfort the Lord gives unto those who follow Him and endure unto the end: "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Rev. 7:17). In this life and the next, the Lord is there to mourn with us when we mourn and to wipe away our tears.

The apostle Paul wrote much on suffering and the solace the Savior provides. "Blessed be God...who comforteth us in all tribulation.... For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation" (2 Cor. 1:3-6).

For those struggling, Elder Holland gave these words of encouragement: "Don't give up.... Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.... You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come." (Holland, Ensign, Nov. 1999). There is an end to the suffering; there is hope. That end and hope comes in and through the Savior.