Why is suffering a requisite component in God’s restorative plan for man?

 

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Why is suffering a requisite component in God’s restorative plan for man? Regeneration of the human heart is inextricably tied to a life of bliss and blessings. And in order for regeneration to be complete, profound and enduring, it must go beyond the process of cognitive learning. It requires repeated testing through real life situations in order to regenerate and to strengthen one’s virtues. For example, the virtue of mercy and forgiveness must be tested through occasions of unspeakable disappointment of unrequited love and loyalty.