Suffering in enviable. Our physical bodies are constantly subjected to pain and discomfort. Our physical bodies are also subject to emotional suffering that can be as equally painful as other pains and discomforts. Other types of suffering may include the awareness of the effects of sin or guilt, or even the feeling of anger. In Matthew 27:46 we can read about the depth of Christ’s suffering.

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Latter-day Saints believe that this scripture shows the depth of Christ’s suffering while on the cross.

Mankind has attempted to explain the need for suffering in three ways. The first is that suffering is an essential element in testing and building moral character while here on earth. The second is that suffering in the unavoidable side effect of agency. And thirdly, suffering is purely an illusion or mystery. Whatever the reason, suffering remains and effects every single person.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are provided with doctrinal explanations to suffering. The first is that all mankind willingly came to mortality with a complete knowledge and knowing the great price that would be required of Christ and of discipleship in his name. Secondly they believe that suffering is meant to be in the image of that of the Lord’s. The suffering of Christ is written in Alma 7:12.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”

There was no other way for the redemption of the universe to be paid, and for authentic love and compassion to be achieved. Christ explained his own mission in Isaiah 61:3-1 saying,

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Latter-day Saints believe that the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ while he was here on the earth are intended to help relieve pain and suffering. The first way in which the Gospel does so is by providing a foundation for hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, in hopes that those who have wandered or made mistakes may find reunion with God. Secondly the Gospel allows for continuous access to the Holy Ghost, who can offer peace and comfort through suffering. The Gospel also also teaches the law of the harvest, which promises blessings that come from obeying the laws and ordinances of the land. The Gospel teaches that through constant obedience to the law that much unhappiness and suffering can be avoided. Lastly the Gospel helps to establish a kinship and community between those who believe. In Mosiah 18:8-9 we read about the bonds and ideas that believers share,

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—”

Members of the Church do not believe that pain is good. But they do believe that important lessons can be learned from pain. Suffering that is unavoidable in life, is an opportunity for people to grow and to draw upon Gospel principles and to learn to rely on the Lord when things get difficult. Suffering can indeed embitter and darken a soul, just like in turn it can heal and enlighten a soul. The end results depends entirely upon one’s attitude and response. The Prophet Joseph Smith was a great example of enduring during times of suffering. In D & C 122:7-9 we read,

“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”