Spiritual Leaders Share Quotes That Sustain Them in Hard Times

From Biblical scripture to Buddhist teachings, these enduring words offer guidance and grounding.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Religious leaders and spiritual teachers from diverse faith traditions shared the texts that sustain them in difficult times. Their choices reveal how these words offer guidance, grounding and a sense of purpose even in the most uncertain moments.

Why it matters

As people navigate challenges and hardship, the wisdom and perspectives of spiritual leaders can provide comfort, inspiration and a sense of purpose. These quotes highlight how enduring spiritual teachings can help individuals and communities find hope, resilience and the motivation to make positive change.

The details

The Reverend Adriene Thorne of The Riverside Church in New York City turns to a passage from the Gospel of John that reminds her that 'hope isn't passive' and calls believers to 'show up, to care, to act.' Buddhist teacher Gil Fronsdal cites the Buddha's 'Poem of Peace,' which emphasizes that 'hatred never ends by hatred' and that 'love alone' can bring an end to conflict. Father Boniface Endorf of St. Joseph Church in New York City finds solace in Psalm 23, which portrays God as a shepherd guiding his flock. Rabbi Yisroel Freeman of Chabad in Sudbury, Massachusetts draws on the 'Bosi Legani' passage from the Song of Songs, which reflects the Jewish mission to 'cultivate this world as God's Garden.' Other spiritual leaders, including Suhag A. Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation, Father James Martin, and Dr. Yasir Qadhi, also shared meaningful texts that have sustained them.

  • The quotes and reflections were shared with TODAY.com in February 2026.

The players

Reverend Adriene Thorne

A senior minister at The Riverside Church in New York City.

Gil Fronsdal

A Buddhist teacher.

Father Boniface Endorf

A priest at St. Joseph Church in New York City.

Rabbi Yisroel Freeman

A rabbi at Chabad in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Suhag A. Shukla

The executive director of the Hindu American Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“God is still working through us, even in the hardest moments.”

— Reverend Adriene Thorne, Senior Minister, The Riverside Church (today.com)

“Hatred never ends by hatred. By love alone does it end. This is an ancient truth.”

— Gil Fronsdal, Buddhist Teacher (today.com)

“The question is not whether we will face hardship, but what we do when life overwhelms us.”

— Father Boniface Endorf, Priest, St. Joseph Church (today.com)

“Knowing that we each have a part in this work can empower us and give us the courage to march forward with positivity and confidence.”

— Rabbi Yisroel Freeman, Rabbi, Chabad (today.com)

“The Hindu tradition acknowledges that life continually will have its ups and downs and that we have the power to choose who we ride those waves.”

— Suhag A. Shukla, Executive Director, Hindu American Foundation (today.com)

The takeaway

In times of hardship and uncertainty, spiritual leaders from diverse traditions offer timeless wisdom and perspectives that can provide comfort, inspiration and a sense of purpose. Their shared quotes highlight how enduring spiritual teachings can help individuals and communities find hope, resilience and the motivation to make positive change, even in the face of life's greatest challenges.