Tag Archives: suffering

October 28
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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”  (Hebrews 2:18, NIV)

Empathy = “‘Been there. Done that’ — and reaching back to help others traveling the same road.”

The cost of empathy is always a personal one, which is why it resonates in a way that “informed” but “inexperienced” advice and presence cannot.

As the architect of humanity, Jesus was certainly informed of the human condition; but without becoming fully human Himself, it is like being the designer of a house, but never living within the house of one’s own  design.  Living in the human condition is different than being informed of it.

When you endure hardship, know that there is One who has walked in your shoes Who is able to help you live through the difficulty; and also know that you are becoming the one who, like Jesus, is able to empathize with others in their distress.  It is a gift.  – Luther

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October 25
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“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.  (2 Timothy 2:3-6, NIV)

Suffering.

It is an inextricable part of Christian discipleship.  As Paul explains in what was one of his last letters before his death while in captivity and awaiting trial in Rome: A soldier must focus on the mission; athletes must compete according to the rules of the game; and the hardworking farmer reaps the benefits of his labor.  In other words: No cross.  No crown.

No reasonable person seeks persecution and suffering, and the Christian disciple is no exception here.  However, while others try everything within their power to avoid, evade, and to escape pain and suffering; we “please our commanding officer” by joining Him in suffering for truth and righteousness; and we are an example for others of what ought to be, when we share in the sufferings of others.

If others seek “happiness” in the dogged pursuit of a life without suffering; the Christian disciple knows that enduring joy and purpose is found only through suffering in fellowship with Christ.

Whether you are a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a student, a merchant. . .  reflect on the what it means to share the sufferings of others, and the Lord will give you insight.  – Luther

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August 19
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“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  (Romans 8:17-18, NIV)

The way of Christ is the way of the cross.

The way of the cross is the way of suffering, as defined as “sustaining injury, disadvantage, loss, or any unpleasantness.”

As disciples of Jesus, it is our lot to suffer; not for the sake of suffering, but in order to identify with Christ as He identifies with the persons that God created, and for whom He (Christ) died.

Remember this as an encouragement to suffer — with grace — all physical and emotional injuries; to suffer — with hope — each loss; to suffer — with patience — the unpleasantness of others; to suffer — with peace — the appearance of disadvantage.

Paul reminds us that every and each of our present sufferings — whatever they may be — pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us when we see God face-to-face.

For each hurt, there is healing. For each loss, there is a greater gain; for every humiliation, a revelation of unassailable greatness.  – Luther

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