Real Hope: SufferingEgzanp

Sharing In The Suffering

Yeah, nah. That’s pretty much my response to the idea of suffering and the tough stuff of life. While I know a lot of difficult things can actually make me a stronger, better person (‘Yeah!’), I’d rather not get there through what I’d rather not have to actually go through (‘Nah!’).

The Bible paints a very different portrait of suffering than my ‘Yeah, nah’ approach. While I act as if I can somehow pick and choose suffering, the Bible tells me that followers of Jesus, at least, will have their share of suffering (2 Timothy 3:12, Luke 14:27, Mark 10:30).

Evidently, avoiding suffering at all costs is futile. And, actually, Galatians 6 is a reminder that suffering can be shared. And there’s real purpose in that, not just misery-loving company.

You might be suffering right now. More specifically, you might be suffering because of ungodly behaviour or thoughts that you are caught in and haven’t yet found the way out. To help you, Galatians 6 calls upon brothers and sisters in Christ to seek to gently restore you. While they should watch that they too don’t succumb to the same sin, let’s note how this exhortation to carry each other’s burdens shows up straight after the fruit of the Spirit has blossomed (Galatians 5:16–26).

Being a Spirit-filled person involves sharing in the sufferings of other Spirit-filled people. This stepping into suffering fulfills the law of Christ as we live to love and serve – even when times are tough.

Written by BEN MCEACHEN

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcastand delve deeper into the topic of Suffering. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.