Questions & Answers

Suffering

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Suffering

The question

Is it true that suffering on earth (even if against our will) will increase our glory in heaven, or alleviate suffering in hell?

The answer

One of the best stories that addressed this question about suffering beautifully is "Lazarus and the Rich Man" by St. John Chrysostom, in the book, "On Wealth and Poverty".

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

If God exist, why do pain and suffering exist? If we must suffer because of Adam and Eve’s sin, was that not forgiven when Jesus was crucified? Why does earth have to be…
I read, "On Wealth and Poverty," per your advice and it addressed my original question very well. It sounds like St. John Chrysostom is saying that suffering on earth…
Why do we all have to suffer because of Adam's sin?

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2593 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.