Gerhard and Walther

For since God the Lord has allowed us to be presented and offered to us the great heavenly treasures and goods such as reconciliation with God the Lord, God’s grace, faith in Christ, true spiritual freedom, true righteousness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the heavenly inheritance, eternal life, salvation and blessing, protection against the devil, food for our soul, and the like; so it is right that at the same time we acknowledge such generous goods, grace, and friendship of our heavenly Father with thankful hearts.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis I:81

Therefore, we who believe in Christ cannot doubt God’s fatherly love, even when He lays upon us much suffering in this life. God punishes and disciplines those whom He loves, knowing that one day He will make them glorious. He may let them struggle here, but He will one day bring them to a celebration of eternal victory. Those who mourn now will find eternal comfort.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 98.