Divine Tests
Difficulties and trials are divine gifts that purify the soul, develop character, and draw the sincere seeker closer to God.
Bahá'u'lláh taught that trials and difficulties are among God's greatest gifts. They purify the heart of attachment to the material world, develop patience, courage, and trust in God, and reveal the quality of a person's faith. The metaphor of gold refined in fire captures this transformative quality of adversity.
The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure.
Bahá'í teaching on tests parallels theodicy traditions across religions while uniquely integrating them into a framework of progressive spiritual development.
Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Written about in
- What the Bahá'í Faith says about suffering
Trials are described as gifts that develop character and draw a person closer to God. It is a strong claim, and the concept offers trust and contentment as the response rather than an explanation.