THE BENEFITS OF SUFFERING
II Corinthians 1:6-7
"Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Of if we are comforted it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the suffering, so also you will partake of the consolation."
What is the purpose of suffering for Jesus? Paul lists two benefits. One is the salvation of someone else. He suffered great physical pain so that others would know about salvation through faith in Jesus. He literally laid down his life as a messenger of the Gospel. How much would I be willing to suffer so that others could go to heaven? Another purpose is so that we can partake of the consolation. We can only truly appreciate comfort in relationship to the pain we suffer. The greater the pain, the more we appreciate the lack of pain. Warm, sunny days are more highly treasured when we compare them to cold and rainy days. The pain of a broken arm makes us more thankful for the healing. Jesus suffered great pain on the cross "for the joy that was set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2). That's why James could say, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). He understood this principle – the end result of the suffering makes the pain worth it.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Comfort can only be truly appreciated when compared to the pain of suffering.
[end]
Have a "consolation" day. Love you.
www.wordpress.com
II Corinthians 1:6-7
"Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Of if we are comforted it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the suffering, so also you will partake of the consolation."
What is the purpose of suffering for Jesus? Paul lists two benefits. One is the salvation of someone else. He suffered great physical pain so that others would know about salvation through faith in Jesus. He literally laid down his life as a messenger of the Gospel. How much would I be willing to suffer so that others could go to heaven? Another purpose is so that we can partake of the consolation. We can only truly appreciate comfort in relationship to the pain we suffer. The greater the pain, the more we appreciate the lack of pain. Warm, sunny days are more highly treasured when we compare them to cold and rainy days. The pain of a broken arm makes us more thankful for the healing. Jesus suffered great pain on the cross "for the joy that was set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2). That's why James could say, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). He understood this principle – the end result of the suffering makes the pain worth it.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Comfort can only be truly appreciated when compared to the pain of suffering.
[end]
Have a "consolation" day. Love you.
www.wordpress.com
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