After this [God] allows us to fall harder and more grievously than ever we did before — as it seems to us. And then we think (because we are not all wise) that what we had begun has come to nothing. But it is not so. It is necessary for us to fall and it is necessary for us to see it. For if we did not fall we should not know how feeble and wretched we are on our own, nor should we know so fully the marvelous love of our Maker.
For, in truth, we shall see in heaven for all eternity that though we have grievously sinned in this life, we were never hurt in God’s love, nor were we ever of less value in God’s sight. This falling is a test by which we shall have a high and marvelous knowing of love in God for ever. That love is hard and marvelous that cannot and will not be broken for [our] trespasses.’
Julian of Norwich
