“As we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” -IICorinthians 1:5
Suffering can often seem like an opponent to joy. Yet, even James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Not “try and find joy in suffering,” nor does the Scripture say, “if you can think of the purpose of suffering, you will find joy.” Rather, count it all joy. We share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings and comforts.
How is the Christian joyful in sufferings and trials? Sufferings and trials are not pleasurable objects to welcome. Rather, the Christian can rejoice in the Lord always, yes even in pain and suffering, because Christ in His power and mercy works even in our sufferings and trials.
What pains did our Lord endure? Our Lord was betrayed. He suffered mockery, false accusations, confrontation from respected religious leaders about His teachings. He suffered long with the disciples.
Perhaps your suffering is hurtful words from a friend, or you are falsely accused. Perhaps your suffering is physical pain. Maybe faithfulness to Christ’s commands hurts your chances of a job promotion. Perhaps following Christ has you ostracized from family and friends. Is our God the God of all comforts in such sufferings?
Our Lord truly was a Man of Sorrows. Yet, the Scripture tells us He suffered even on a cross for the joy set before Him. He suffered for the joy not only to be with the Father, but the joy that brings you to the Father. The Father comforts us in our afflictions (II Corinthians 1:4); yes, He comforts us while we suffer. When other Christians are afflicted and comforted by God, it is for your comfort (vs6). When God comforts you in your afflictions, He aims for you to take it to the church that His mercies would comfort other Christians, as well (vs 4).
Suffering and comfort are meant to be shared in community in the local church. We weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). We gather and comfort the afflicted. This is Christ’s command and mercy to His beloved bride, the church.
We remember together that these present sufferings cannot compare with coming glory (Romans 8:18, IICorinthians 4:17). There is joy set before you. The joy of enjoying God with eternal life is yours. Yet, this promise is not all future. The God of all comforts will comfort His children through our light momentary afflictions and trials.
A present purpose to our sufferings as Christians is to receive abundant comforts in Christ together. Paul says we share abundantly in comfort through Christ in our sufferings. How can we say, “I am thankful to God for this pain?” Christ’s abundant comfort comes to me. He blesses me through the comforts and encouragement at church. He blesses me with strength when I am weak. I can rejoice in suffering any loss because the pain drives me and my church family to Christ all the more!
Though you and I would not welcome the hurt, let us see clearly that each pain and trial which comes our way must draw us closer as a church family and draw our church family closer to the Father who comforts us in Christ.
Heavenly Father, we are an afflicted people. The afflictions that visit us because of our sin, forgive us Lord. The sufferings that come from the world’s conflict with Christ, strengthen us to endure with joy. The pains that come from longing for heaven with You, Lord remind us of coming glory. The trials that pains us, Lord give us joy. In all these, Lord we plead for Your comforts to us in Christ. Amen.
