2 CORINTHIANS 11:21-30
We could see the man’s serious cuts on his body thanks to the large, sharp close-up image on the enormous screen. He was being beaten by a soldier while a frantic crowd laughed at the bloodied victim. The visuals were so vivid that I groaned and wept as if I could actually feel the suffering in the quiet of the outdoor theater. But this was just a movie portrayal of Jesus’ suffering for our benefit.
Even though suffering can take many different shapes and levels of severity, it is inevitable. It is possible that ours is not as severe as that endured by Paul, who, for the sake of Christ, was stoned, flogged with rods, and shipwrecked. Bandits attacked him, and he struggled with hunger and thirst (2 Corinthians 11:24–27). We may not experience suffering on the same level as people who face serious persecution in societies where Christianity is not accepted.
However, as we deprive ourselves, put up with abuse, endure insults, or refrain from engaging in things that dishonour the Lord, hardship will come our way in some way. It is possible to follow in His footsteps by practicing patience, refraining from retaliation, and forgiving people in order to establish positive connections.
May we always be mindful of what Jesus went through for us whenever we experience suffering.
Lessons that we could not learn in any other classroom are taught to us in the school of suffering.
🙏🏻 Lord, help us learn from suffering.
