“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name”– Acts 5:41(KJV)
The Christian faith does not exempt one from all forms of suffering in life. While we appreciate and highlight the fact that we do not have to suffer to be saved because Jesus has born the suffering and pain to purchase redemption for all, we must however note that after we are saved, we must be prepared to suffer for Christ and his kingdom as we extend the gospel to the unreached world.
The affliction Jesus suffered on the cross to redeem us has made salvation free and has freed us from the dominion of sin, sickness and servitude. Christ has delivered us from the curse of the law and qualified us to partake of the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:14-15). However, after we are saved, we should be prepared to suffer to propagate the gospel that we believe in. Persecutions, trials, ridicule and temptation are not alien to the Christian faith but an integral part of the gospel (1 Peter 2: 15-21 ; 1 Peter 4:12-16).
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, , not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” – Philippians 1:29(KJV). We are called to partake of Christ’s sufferings .Note that the scripture promised that if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12). Evading Christian suffering is an act of irresponsibility. The course of Christ is worth living for and dying for.
The right attitude in times of suffering is to rejoice, endure and to consider it as great privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. All who identify with Christ will suffer reproach, trials, temptation, persecution, mockery and ridicule, but we should not suffer as evil doers or as busy body in other men’s matter. We should not see it as a strange thing when we go through suffering for the cause of the gospel, but should display self-control.
God often allows suffering to prove us, to know our motives, to build our faith, develop our character and to create enabling environment to grow the fruit of the spirit.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me the grace to endure affliction for the gospel in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu