The poem “God’s Grace” was inspired by Romans 5:3-5. I was made aware of this passage, the crux of the material about the value of suffering, when a friend posted a meme about the fallacy of suffering building character. A mutual friend responded with the Romans’ passage. I believe that suffering can provide hard-earned wisdom and compassion for others. I don’t believe that suffering opens the door (forces) people to turn to the Divine in an effort to receive hope from a holy messenger.