Therese of Lisieux Suffering Quotations

How can the good God Who loves us so much, be happy when we suffer? Never does our suffering make Him happy; but it is necessary for us, and so He sends it to us while, as it were, turning away His Face. . . I assure you that it costs Him dearly to fill us with bitterness.

Sufferings gladly borne for others convert more people than sermons.

I prefer to be accused unjustly, for then I have nothing to reproach myself with, and joyfully offer this to the good Lord. Then I humble myself at the thought that I am indeed capable of doing the thing of which I have been accused.

It is my weakness that gives me all my strength.

It's true, I suffer a great deal-but do I suffer well? That is the question.

Suffering is the very best gift He has to give us. He gives it only to His chosen friends.

In spite of this trial, which takes all enjoyment from me, I can never the less, cry out, 'Lord, you fill me with joy in all that you do. For is there a joy greater than to suffer for love?'

I realized that to become a saint one must suffer a great deal, always seek what is best, and forget oneself.

I'm suffering very much, but am I suffering very well? That's the point!

When we are expecting only suffering, the least joy surprises us: Suffering itself becomes the greatest of joys when we seek it as a precious treasure.

He longs to give us a magnificent reward. He knows that suffering is the only means of preparing us to know Him as He knows Himself, and to become ourselves divine.