Suffering for His Sake. Philippians 1:29. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Suffering for the sake of Christ matures us as Christians now, so that the patience we gain through suffering helps us stand firm in our faith in the future. Enduring affliction as a Christian may be a gift or privilege given to us to bring blessings that follow. We need faith to give us the perspective to accept what God gives without complaint. We have been saved by grace; by grace, we suffer; and it is by grace we endure suffering.
A sister in Christ lies in her bed with quiet contentment. A brother groans with pain as he tries to sleep. Why does God allow the ongoing suffering of some of His children for years? His plans for the future include suffering in the present. There are various forms of suffering that God’s people must endure. Organized opposition begins with a whispering campaign against an individual or a group in an attempt to silence their testimony. Other forms of opposition can be openly hostile when the Gospel is first preached in an area where sin is rampant.
Religious opposition can be especially harmful because it challenges the spiritual powers of darkness that have kept followers of false teachings from experiencing the freedom of the truth. A lot of money is made in the name of religion, and those who profit from it are often unwilling to see their source of income go away. The intervention of a life-changing Gospel message impacts many, causing suffering for those who carry its message.
For the sake of the Lord Himself, there may be a price to pay, whether it’s financial or physical; suffering will come. We can trust Him without hesitation during difficulties, and the scars of suffering for “righteousness' sake” can be badges of honor. In prisons, hospitals, isolated places, homes, and educational institutions—God’s people suffer. Whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise, suffering for Christ’s sake is evidence of godly living.
There are stresses that come from opposition from outside and stresses that come from within. The enemy of our souls will keep pressuring us to oppose the truth being preached publicly and by those who live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The fellowship of God’s people provides a united front to stand against satanic attacks. Selfish ambition and the desire for personal prestige can break the fellowship of God’s people. Those who assert themselves tend to dominate conversations and groups working together because they feel they must control everything. This attitude often creates stress because some view an assembly as nothing more than a business. They evaluate everything based on profit and loss. How many have you seen saved? How many have been baptized this year? How many have been added to the fellowship of God’s people? How many attend meetings? When we stand firm in the Holy Spirit, there is selfless love, demonstrable grace, and an effective life that is evident when we have the mind of Christ.
When this is accomplished, suffering will follow those who commit themselves to this unity. Suffering is an integral part of Christian testimony. It occurs because of our faith in Christ. Suffering helps us rely less on comfort and also reveals who is genuine. It strengthens the faith of true believers and serves as an example to others who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. In fact, suffering is highly valued in true Christianity because it is noble and for a noble purpose. When God's people suffer with dignity, their testimony of faith is greatly enhanced. It is a privilege to suffer because we are actively involved in the fight for the souls of others. We know this to be true not only where we are but also for all who live godly lives.