It may seem counter-intuitive, but we are not only called to suffer for the sake of Christ, but suffer well. Now man’s way of suffering is to demand why, blame others or turn our backs on God. But suffering well for Christ starts with changing our perspective, by looking at our suffering through God’s eyes not ours. And when we do this, we can then see the purpose, practice obedience, and persevere victoriously through the suffering. The Apostle Paul’s theology of suffering well was this: it produced joy in seeing the Gospel Message advanced, it exalted Christ, and it increased our faith.
Tag: suffering disgrace for His Name
Luke 21:17 ” All men will hate you because of Me.”
In Luke 6:22 Jesus faced His disciples and said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” It’s called suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:41) But why? John 15:21 gives us insight into this when Jesus said, “They will treat you this way because of My Name, for they do not know the One who sent Me.” Worldly ignorance of God breeds fear, fear leads to distrust, and distrust transforms into hatred towards His people. But we shouldn’t look at this persecution negatively…for I Peter 4:16 says, “If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that Name.” For in the end we will be blessed for standing in His Name.
Safetypinlove 