peace to live by

Rejoicing in Our Sufferings? Part 1 (TMF:2583)

Wednesday, April 02, 2025
Peace to Live By: Rejoicing in Our Sufferings? Part 1 (TMF:2583) - Daniel Litton
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       Colossians 1:24: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake" (ESV). We are presented with something, which, admittedly, seems foreign to us in American society. It seems definitely so. To rejoice in one’s sufferings. We are taught to avoid suffering at all costs. Our society is even geared in that direction. Depending on what position a person takes as pertains to the wealth of our society and democracy, it certainly is apparent that we are blessed greatly. The mind is under the impression that the reasoning behind this, dare it presume, is multifaceted. An obvious reason is the support and care for Israelites, God’s original chosen people, who have the Old Testament promises. To paraphrase, we know God said of old, “Bless Israel and I will bless you.” That is experientially true. But there is also the aspect of obedience, and while obedience doesn’t always bring here and now blessing (as we are seeing right here in this passage), at the same time it often does.