Suffering in Life
No one likes to suffer.
Yet, it is through the suffering of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who died
on the cross at Calvary people’s victory was won. Jesus died the most excruciating, and
humiliating death. As we learned in the
gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, he was condemned by a council of elders,
beaten, nailed to a cross, pierced, died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended
into heaven. He is presently seated at the right hand of God, the Father.
Like him, people continue to suffer for various reasons. To sinners, such suffering is like days of
doom, and are hopeless. They will gain
nothing, save the disgrace, torture, misery, and everlasting death. To Christians however, suffering has REAL meaning. It may come as chastisement from Our Lord Jesus
Christ, for wrongs they have done, and continue to do. Repeatedly, the Holy Spirit may be warning them
not to go down such a sinful path. Yet, people
may insist in doing exactly how they feel, for many say they are having fun doing
these unsavory deeds. It is then that
the Lord may step in to try to deter them because he loves them, by bringing
afflictions their way to guide them back to his flock (Heb 12:5-11).
Our Own Will
Still people have their own will and may decide not to listen
to their conscience. God, however will
never give up on them. He may decide to
turn on the pressure when they refuse.
People basically know when they are going astray. Their conscience serves as accurate
barometers for how they are living. If
they insist on going their own way after being prodded time and time again, the
Lord may eventually give up on them.
This is when their hearts become hardened with sin. The results of flagrant disobedience may well
lead to disastrous consequences.
Suffering might be for our own good (Ps 94:12-13). Saints and believers have learned important
lessons by being afflicted. For one,
they could have insights into the relationship between their affliction and
sinful behavior. In times of illness,
they may experience the tender care of their caregivers. More likely, they will depend on family and
friends who are the body of Christ. Physically and psychologically the
afflicted realize their limitations, and place their trust on a loving God.
These ailments may become like gifts to those who are ministering
to the sick. In their state of weakness,
these are testimonies of what it means to be broken in Christ (1 Pet 4:12-16). In anguish the Lord will give these
caretakers strength to show his love in the world. These individuals are some of the more authentic
Christians. Most likely will recall the pain
of family members, and friends while working at homes, hospitals, and nursing
homes. These Christian-minded
individuals who have embraced the faith know that their victory has already
been won by Jesus Christ, who gave his life for all of us (1 Cor 15:57).
Comments
Post a Comment