No Easy Ride
If we continue to suffer after becoming Christ followers, what is the advantage of following Christ? Jesus was clear, followers looking for an "easy ride" are going to be disappointed. If Jesus suffered in this world, can we expand or demand better?
Paul addresses the matter of hardship as a "given" of the Christian life. He has some good news however. God is with us, and Jesus comforts us in full measure enough to equal or exceed or sufferings. He also points out one reason why we suffer: to be compassionate toward others who suffer like us. The fact is that we are on the via de la rosa in this world: the "way of suffering." What is our comfort then? First it is immediate grace in the "here and now" of our pain, but it is also an inner assurance and faith that our suffering will end when we die, and we live in internal bliss with the Father (and one another!). Glory to God!
Created 7 months ago
