Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings

 Romans 5-8

“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope…Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 5:3, 4; 8:17

Suffering for Christ and his Gospel in our struggle against sin, and in our witness in this world is normal. Paul’s words remind us that suffering is one of God’s character-building vehicles in our lives. Because we understand that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, we can actually rejoice when we suffer for Christ and his Gospel. More than that, our suffering for Christ identifies us with Christ as his fellow heirs and members of God’s family. Sharing in Christ’s sufferings as we resist temptation and sin, face opposition for a clear Gospel-witness, or face the pain of sickness and sin’s scourge on this planet – all testify that we belong to Christ. This world is nor our home. Suffering is normal in Christ’s kingdom, and in the Church of the global south.

Will we as western Christians, embrace God’s redemptive purpose in suffering?

“Lord Jesus, I pray for grace to share in your sufferings, for your glory.”