| “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. ” |
| —Philippians 1:27 |
“No matter what happens, we’re in this together!”
Have you ever heard someone say those words? Nothing inspires a tight, competent, caring fellowship quite as much as shared suffering. And, to some degree, we all must endure suffering, to one degree or another.
Suffering abounds everywhere to everyone. Most of us have suffered some type of loss in our lives. Or, we have had to deal with health issues. Or, our children have momentarily gone down the wrong path. Or, we lost our financial security. Or, a dearly loved person in our life has passed away.
There are myriad of ways that suffering can creep into our lives. The important thing is that we don’t have to deal with suffering alone. As ones who belong to God through the birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, we belong to each other, as well. We can pray for each other and support each other during times of suffering. We can carry each other’s burdens.
The Apostle Paul gave the following instruction to the Christ-ones at Philippi, and to us, in Philippians 1:27-30:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Paul knew suffering. He also knew that his fellow believers helped him carry his suffering well. He depended on God’s mercy, grace, and love—expressed through other Christians—to support him, as he dealt with his suffering.
Today, let us remain fully aware and stay on the lookout for our brothers and sisters in Christ who may be suffering. Whether that suffering seems minor or overwhelming, let us stand ready to bring aid and comfort to each other. We are, indeed, all in this together. Praise God that this is so!
Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
