I often hear well-meaning Christians wear their suffering as a badge of honor.
And certainly, suffering for the sake for Christ – for being a Christian – is an honor and privilege, to be embraced and a reason to praise the Lord!
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:13
Unfortunately, many times I hear Christians lift up general sufferings – ones that have nothing to do with being a Christian, and somehow use those sufferings as a reason to show that they are “worthy.”
There are sufferings that come from being in the world; suffering that come from being in sin; and sufferings that come from being in Christ. They are not all the same!
Suffering for the sake of Christis something to praise the Lord about and celebrate for glory that will be revealed and “because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon” us (1 Peter 4:14b).
Suffering from being in the world or for being in sin is consequence for sin. Future glory is not given for such suffering, but God can and still should be given glory in them – for His mercy and grace shown through them.
And how we endure suffering can give God glory in every way!
When we suffer for Christ – He gets the glory and glory will be revealed to us.
When we suffer in the world or because of sin and we do so in contrition, in humility, and in grace, giving Him the glory regardless, there is a blessing for others.
Suffering this side of eternity is inevitable. Living lives boldly and unashamedly as followers of Jesus will bring suffering that leads to glory. Facing other suffering in contrition and humility because we give God the glory in and through it can winsome for Christ.
So we turn our face toward suffering – for Christ, in all things.
And in all our suffering, we keep in mind why we face suffering bodly – because Jesus suffered to the point of death for our salvation; for our eternity; so that our sufferings here would be temporary and time with Him eternal!
So we endure, with confidence, with certain hope, and with joyful anticipation for where it will end – for Christ, and with Christ!
Halleluia, and amen!
“Gracious Lord Jesus, You suffered and bore all our sins and those of the world. Thank You for that! Grant that we endure all suffering in a way that brings You honor and glory, and points all to You. In Your precious Name do we pray. Amen.”
Scripture
- 1 Peter 4:12–16
- Romans 5:3-5
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
- Psalm 68:1–10 (Responsory)
