“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT
Can we as modern-day Christians expect to suffer? Can we perhaps not have as close a relationship with Jesus if we do not suffer?
Famous had six teeth extracted this weekend. Six! And for all of that he seems to be doing very well two days out from the procedure. I would never wish him harm or any suffering. But I understood the discomfort he would suffer this weekend would be mild compared to the pain and dysfunction he would have if his periodontal disease progressed further to infect his jaw bone. In the aftermath I have learned better ways of providing his oral hygiene and how to nurture him until his incisions have healed.
Does God want us to suffer? No, He does not. But there is suffering in our world every second. If we feel we do not suffer, then somehow we have conveniently managed to cut ourselves off from the rest of the world, living quite oblivious to the needs of others. Jesus taught us that their suffering is his suffering. If we are to be Christ-like, then we must share the awareness of suffering in this world, rebuke it, and strive to improve it.
Instruct me today, Father, in how not only to avoid causing suffering to others, but how to prevent it and alleviate it when it is found.
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