Be ready to suffer for Christ’s sake

It is not enough for Christians to only believe in Jesus Christ, but they must be ready to suffer for Him. Inasmuch as God has generously granted the Beloved the privilege not only to trust in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. Are you prepared to suffer on His behalf? Adhere to Jesus Christ and relying on Him is not sufficient, but make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the Gospel of Christ and you are prepared to suffer for His sake. There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ; there’s also suffering for him, and the suffering is as much as gift as the trusting in Jesus; according to the Book of Philippians which says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. Are you ready to utilize your privilege of suffering for Christ? It is better to accept the honor that God gave you to believe and suffer for Christ.

You must have been warned that you will suffer affliction for your faith and Christ’s sake. Your teacher or pastor must have told you previously that you will be persecuted before being glorified. The troubles should not come as any surprise to the Believers; because it is part of their calling to suffer for Christ. The Bible attested to this fact by saying, “For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4. Therefore, do not allow your suffering for Christ sake to make you renounce your faith or lead you astray.

Whenever you suffer for Christ’s sake at the hand of your fellow countrymen, you are sharing the experience of the real Church of God, where the truth reigns. Your experiences of persecution are like those of the righteous people who refused to compromise. So, imitate the honest people who are prepared to suffer for Christ in order to be glorified; according to the scripture which says, “For you brethren, become imitators of the Churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans.” 1 Thessalonians 2:14. Therefore, endure whatever suffering that you are passing through for Christ’s sake because it won’t last.

Hence, do not relent because of your suffering, but continue to forge forward with your propagation of the Gospel. Even if you have been outrageously treated in the past, summon the courage to proclaim boldly the Good News of God. You must not be discouraged by how people maltreated and insulted you because of your faith in Christ; instead, ask God to embolden you. Ask God to strengthen and assist you to be brave to overcome your suffering. You need to emulate Paul and others who continued to spread the Gospel despite the opposition and the abominable treatment they received at Philippi; according to the Bible passage which says, “But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the Gospel in much conflict.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2. Do not allow your suffering, or rough treatment to slow you down; instead be defiant to any opposition of the Gospel.