Suffering Because You Believe
By Rev. Joseph C Ibekwe, PhD
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18
The intriguing thing about Christianity is that it attracts suffering, but it is also full of glory.
The persecution, mockery, beatings, isolation, and attacks we may face for being advocates of the gospel, will never be compared to the glory of what is to come on the day of the Resurrection, where we will receive new glorious bodies, free from infirmities and sin.
It is because of this, we gladly go through all we go through, because we know that everything we face on this earth is temporary. It neither adds nor removes from our eternal security in Christ Jesus. Our salvation remains our priority and we should strive to proclaim it, defend it, and be proud of it no matter what.
Our message is a message of life unto life. That’s why it’s called good news of the Gospel. We are messengers of life. There are other messages and messengers. They could be messengers of death unto death. That is why their message is always about how to kill and to destroy lives and property of others. Christianity is different. It preserves life.
You are persecuted, denied opportunities, isolated and even killed because you are a Christian. Don’t worry too much about those ill-treatments. While you can try to avoid these treatments, don’t get even with those who take delight to see you suffer or killed because you are a Christian.
Remember your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ also suffered in the hands of detractors. He did not revenge them, even though he had the power to do so. You are like him. Don’t revenge your adversaries. Do your best to avoid those that desire to kill you, but don’t hate them. It’s the devil that comes to steal, to kill and to destroy. But Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have life in abundance (John 10:10).
Be steadfast in your faith knowing that faith attracts persecution and sufferings, but beyond these sufferings lies the glory that is indescribable – reserved for you in Christ Jesus. Though you suffer, remain a lover, because God, your God and Father, is a lover. And you have to live like your Father.
#gracedfamily
#TheGospelofJoseph
Joseph Ibekwe