Skip to content

But we all suffer. For we all prize and love; and in this…

“But we all suffer. For we all prize and love; and in this present existence of ours, prizing and loving yield suffering. Love in our world is suffering love. Some do not suffer much, though, for they do not love much. Suffering is for the loving. This, said Jesus, is the command of the Holy One…” quote by Nicholas Wolterstorff
Download Open image
““But we all suffer. For we all prize and love; and in this present existence of ours, prizing and loving yield suffering. Love in our world is suffering love. Some do not suffer much, though, for they do not love much. Suffering is for the loving. This, said Jesus, is the command of the Holy One: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." In commanding us to love, God invites us to suffer.””

Nicholas Wolterstorff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Love inevitably brings pain because caring creates vulnerability and loss; suffering is the cost of deep connection.

In simple terms: Love causes suffering because it makes us vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s pain as part of growth.

Themes

love ufferinguffering vulnerability spirituality

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • marriage
  • friendship
  • community service

Key Concepts

theology existentialism ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance love with self‑care?
  • What practices help transform suffering into compassion?
A Different Perspective

Suffering can become overwhelming without support or boundaries.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Nicholas Wolterstorff

Explore all 16 Nicholas Wolterstorff quotes

More God quotes

Browse all 37,707 God quotes