Tag Archives: suffering

December 18
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“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16, NIV)

All humanity suffers, but to suffer “as a Christian” requires a perspective and a commitment that most people will not comprehend.

Bearers of “that name” love their enemies; pray for their persecutors; forgive those who have, in the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “trespassed against us” — and most observers will consider such behavior naive, outrageous, or both.

Some years ago, the world thought it both naive and outrageous for God to enter our world as a not only a child, but a poor child; and to leave it in disgrace on a cross. Faithful discipleship will always confound the world, but it delights our heavenly Father because it reflects His nature in us.  – Luther

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December 4
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“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:11, NIV)

Suffering is the “tax” that all of God’s creatures pay for the corruption of Creation. In a perfect world, suffering would not exist. Yet, our world — though wonderful and good in so many respects — is not perfect.

Suffering is difficult, inconvenient, confounding, and often expensive in time and treasure. If you do not think suffering to be a blessing — you are correct to think so! It is perseverance through suffering that we admire. It is fidelity through adversity that we cheer.

The blessing in perseverance is not the “finish line,” but the course (whether it be an obstacle course, a race course, or a course of study).

Perseverance not only reveals the nature of our character, and improves it; it reveals God’s character for what it has always been: Full of compassion and mercy.  – Luther 

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November 12
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“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)

I do not believe it to be a coincidence that the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to be hospitable (verse 2) immediately before encouraging us to be sympathetic (verse 3). One virtue compliments the other.

If you are unsure how to extend hospitality, put yourself in the other person’s place, and you’ll never be far from the mark. To meet the need of someone who is suffering, allow yourself to get close enough to the need at hand and the Holy Spirit will inform your speech and guide your hands.

Prison and maltreatment are two states where a person is prone to being forgotten. As disciples of Jesus, we are led to such places to provide hope and healing.  – Luther

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