For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. (Philippians 1:29 NLT)
Recently, I began reading and reflecting upon Philippians. The verse I just read says that we have been given the privilege – literally, the kind, gracious gift – of suffering for Christ. Really? Is suffering really a “privilege” – a kind, gracious gift from God?
In the Kingdom Life Bible, I found the following reflection upon suffering in the footnotes, that summarized so well how believers are to view this “privilege” of suffering and trials. I will now read it almost verbatim, adding some additional comments and scriptures. I believe that you will likewise find this helpful in answering today’s question.
“Trials, suffering, and persecution feel so personal; each of us experiences them so differently. One person’s suffering can be another’s exciting challenge. Surprisingly, James [1:2-3] says:
James 1:2-3 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (3) For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
“Some consider merely living and working as suffering, but this isn’t the perspective of Genesis chapters 1-3. Sin has made some of life more painful and difficult than it once was, but it’s still a blessing to do meaningful things for (and with) other people. God is reconciling the world to Himself through Christ and will one day put an end to evil, pain, and suffering, but for now the effects of sin – disconnection from God, corrupted creation, death, and the fallout of human and demonic rebellion – still impact us daily. Romans 8:22-24 says that all creation is longing to be set free from this current state, so we persevere in hope for that coming reality.
“Suffering in itself isn’t a virtue and should not be embraced as one. We can go through painful situations with virtue or without it. They can make us bitter or, if we go through them with Christ, better. Jesus came to save, heal, deliver, and alleviate suffering. He [said:]
John 10:10 NASB "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
[Moreover, the Gospel message is one of healing and setting the captive free:]
Luke 4:18 NASB "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED.
“Believers should naturally think, ‘How can Christ in me impact this situation for the better?’ [As we are] on mission with [Jesus], we are [commissioned to do many things, as the following verses make clear:]
“[We are] authorized to undo the works of the devil:
John 20:21 HCSB Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." [My amplification: This is our authorization.]
1 John 3:8 ESV Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. [My amplification: If Jesus’ mission was to destroy the works of the devil, and Jesus sends us to do as He did, then it becomes our mission as well. And we go in both the authority and power of Jesus.]
“[We are commissioned by Jesus to] bring joy and health, heal the sick, and rescue the demonized and victimized:
Acts 5:16 NIV Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits [to the apostles], and all of them were healed. [My amplification: We are to follow the example of the apostles.]
“[We are commissioned by Jesus to] increase justice and righteousness, protect and elevate, and defend widows and orphans:
Isaiah 1:17 NASB Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
“[We are commissioned by Jesus to] preach the gospel by His supernatural enablement:
Mark 16:15 NASB And [Jesus] said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
“We partner with Christ to lift people out of suffering. We will likely encounter human and demonic resistance, discomfort, and tough times in doing so, but this is very different from the notion that all sickness, disease, poverty, and adversity are gifts from God to shape us. Generally, the suffering valued in the NT refers to bearing persecution, discomfort, and danger for the sake of advancing His gospel,” [which is the “privilege” in today’s verse.]
Let me say it again: Suffering in itself isn’t a virtue and should not be embraced as one. We can choose to go through painful situations with virtue or without it. We can choose for trials can make us bitter or better. However, if we endure persecution for the sake of Christ, we can then count that suffering as a “privilege.”
Today, I encourage you to "Reflect on This."