Sharing the Suffering
Scripture: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2.3)
Main Point: Living under the merciful Master means entering into the suffering of those who are alienated.
Paul’s words to Timothy are challenging: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” He doesn’t say “observe suffering from a distance” or “feel sorry for those who suffer.” He says share in it. Enter into it. Make it your own.
This is what Jesus did. He didn’t heal the lepers from a comfortable distance and then move on. He entered their world, heard their cries, and restored them completely—body and community. He shared in their suffering before He brought them healing.
And this is what He calls us to do. When someone in our community is going through divorce, we don’t just say “I’ll pray for you” and disappear. We enter in. When someone loses a job, we don’t avoid them because it’s awkward—we sit with them in their shame and help carry the burden. When someone makes a terrible mistake, we don’t join the chorus of condemnation—we extend the same mercy Christ has shown us.
Sharing in suffering is costly. It takes time. It’s emotionally draining. It might even damage our reputation to be associated with “those people.” But this is what soldiers of Christ Jesus do. We enter the battle for the alienated.
Reflection: Who do you know that’s suffering in isolation right now? What would it cost you to truly share in their suffering rather than just observing it?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You entered into my suffering when You went to the cross. Give me courage to enter into the suffering of others. Make me a good soldier of Christ. In Your Name, Amen.
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