“…physical ailments, no matter how severe, cannot bring any change in the inherent condition of the soul…”

Regarding your questions concerning the condition of the soul during illness. The passages in the "Gleanings" make it quite clear that physical ailments, no matter how severe, cannot bring any change in the inherent condition of the soul, As Baha'u'llah says: 'The spirit is permanent and steadfast in its station'. The veil or hindrance that interposes between soul and body during physical disease is sickness itself. Sickness reveals a lack of balance in human organism, an absence of equilibrium in the forces essential for the normal functioning of the human body.

- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 8, 1936; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Manifestations of God have no physical teachers

Abraham and Moses went to no school; Jesus had neither school nor master; Muhammad never had a lesson; the Báb and Baha'u'llah had no professors. Read the books written by Baha'u'llah - the philosophers and savants in the Orient will bear witness to His eloquence and learning. In the Orient this is considered a proof of His divinity. There they say, "If some one can write a letter like Baha'u'llah, Baha'u'llah's divinity can be denied." No one has yet competed.

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk; 'Divine Philosophy')

Moses was neither a philosopher nor a scientist. Outwardly He was but a simple shepherd, but He was able to instruct and develop a whole nation which had been in a state of demoralization; but which through His influence reached a very enlightened civilization. Jesus Christ did not come from the world of princes or scientists. Outwardly he was but an humble artisan, His disciples simple fishermen. Why were these disciples able to do what philosophers and scientists failed to accomplish? You have the example in Peter who was assisted by the Holy Spirit, as have been all those who have enlightened humanity -- for universal education can be accomplished only through the Holy Spirit.

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk; 'Divine Philosophy')

A Baha’i Teaching: In order for God's love to reach us we need to love Him

O Son of Being! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant. 

- Baha’u’llah (‘The Hidden Words’)