"Suffering"

There are 7.3 billion people on this planet. Half of the people on this planet live on less than two dollars a day. They spend their days trying to find enough food, clean water, education, medicine, housing, and transportation. Many of these neighbors daily have to avoid violent predators.

Just to visit a Third World Country leaves us uncomfortable. To be exposed to suffering even temporarily is difficult for us Westerners. Following Jesus includes delving into the lives of sufferers.  Maybe that’s what Philippians 3:10 is all about. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death.”

Dare we evade the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 16, “Take up your cross and follow me.”?  Suffering may be a consequence when we follow The Way.  The “cross” is not your irritating friend, boss, or relative.  The “cross” is a determined choice to show the love of Christ, no matter the circumstance or cost. We are called to be Christ-like, 24/7.  We serve the Lord in the light of God’s love and mercy, that knows no limits.

There is more mercy in God than sin in us!

Blessings,