“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24 NKJV)
At this time of pandemic, many people experience suffering and depression because of COVID-19. Many people lost their loved ones, others lost their jobs while others are still on their bed of illness.
Let us learn from Paul on how he turned his disappointments into blessings and how he rejoiced despite sufferings.When Paul says, “I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regards to Christ affliction,” he does not mean that Christ’s suffering is inadequate or insufficient to save us.
The greatest suffering that can happen to us, being joyful and fulfilled is our suffering for Christ. Through the pain that we go through, being the mouthpiece, and channel of blessing, we serve the ultimate need of people, which is the need for this life and godliness and for the salvation of their soul.
Paul considered suffering in a spiritual sense as a privilege which contributes a double-edge result:
• It strengthens one’s faith as one focuses on Christ. (Hebrews 12:2)
• It changes lives and brings people into God’s kingdom. (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Through God’s abundant grace, let us represent Christ through our suffering as we endure. May our message and example affect others and a reason for them to come to God through Christ.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)
In Christ,
Ptr. Obeth Mendoza
