Why suffering?

The Christian church in America has been fortunate in that it has not really suffered the persecution like many of our Christian brothers across the globe. There are places in the world where it it illegal to be a Christian or to own a Bible, but this the church continues to grow!

When Paul starts his second letter to the church in Corinth, it has a different voice than his first.

He first reminds them to bless God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ - the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who

• comforts us in all our affliction
• so that we may comfort those who are in affliction

and reminds them that we are comforted by God (2 Cor 1:3-5)

Paul then writes:

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same suffering that that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Cor 1:6-7)

The big question is why?

I don't claim to have the answer, but Paul does say something that is worth considering and meditating on:

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. (2 Cor 1:9-10)

I think one of the dangers of living in a world where all of our needs are met is that we forget to rely on God from time to time. We lose site of the fact that God provides for us so in turn, we forget about those around us who may be less fortunate, or those that are in need.

Paul links both his suffering with their suffering. His comfort with their comfort.

As a church,.. no, as Christians, we need to be aware of what is going on with our fellow Christians and engage ourselves with their mission - which is the furthering of the gospel.

We have just finished Thanksgiving, the ushering in of the season of excess. We celebrate with a large meal then many people start their "black Friday" and Christmas shopping. During this advent season, let us not forget those who are suffering. Let us take action and show the life if Christ to those who need to understand that regardless of their station in life, Christ loves them, gave himself for their sins, and has a home in heaven for them forever more, Selah.