The apostle Paul writes to his young pastor friend, Timothy, from a prison cell. Paul is literally suffering for the gospel. But notice what kind of suffering it is. Paul is not suffering because he was arrogant, cruel, or self-righteous. He is not suffering because he hurt people and got called out for it. He is suffering because he chose the way of Jesus. And the way of Jesus is humility, compassion, mercy, and love.
I'm convinced that too many Christians today confuse criticism with persecution. Sometimes we say, “The world hates me because I follow Jesus,” when really people are reacting to bitterness, pride, dishonesty, or a lack of grace. That is not the suffering Paul talks about. Pardon me for saying it, but Jesus never promised a blessing for being a jerk. He said blessed are the merciful, the peacemakers, the humble.
Jesus suffered because he healed on the Sabbath, he welcomed outsiders, forgave sinners, touched lepers, challenged corrupt power, and loved beyond limits. Paul suffers because he refuses to stop preaching that same love and hope. The good deposit he preaches is not just a set of beliefs in his mind. It has become a way of living.
That should challenge our sense of suffering for Jesus.
The fruit of our lives always tells the truth. Are we suffering because we look like Jesus? Or are we simply facing the consequences of pride and anger that we've disguised as righteousness?
Paul says, “I know the one in whom I have put my trust.” Even in prison, he trusts Christ enough to keep loving, keep serving, and keep embodying the gospel.
If we suffer, may it be for things that look like Jesus and his love. May we suffer for showing mercy instead of vengeance, and humility instead of pride. And let your compassion replace the cruelty of the world.
Stay blessed...john
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