How can the gospel shape our suffering?  In the last post, we considered two ways: as we recognize that we are following the path of Christ and as we embrace his purpose of becoming more like Christ through suffering.  In this post we will look at two more ways that the gospel shapes our suffering.

Resting in the Love of Christ (Perseverance)

Romans 8:31-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are secure in Christ.  He will preserve us to the end.  This is a glorious part of the gospel.

It is also a great assurance in suffering.  These verses make clear that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ – not tribulation, distress, persecution, danger, death – nothing.  In our trials we are sometimes tempted to wonder if God still loves us.  These verses assure us that he does.  In our trials we can rest in his love.  That is gospel shaped suffering.

Rejoicing in the Hope of Christ (Resurrection and Glorification)

In the Matthew 16:21, the path of Christ which leads through suffering and death goes on to resurrection.  As we follow the path of Christ, we have the same hope.  II Corinthians 4:14, and many other passages, make clear that as Christ was raised from the dead, so we too will be raised.  And we will be raised to glory.  Romans 8:16-21 speaks of this glory that awaits us.  This hope is part of the gospel.

And this hope is a great encouragement to us in our suffering.  Paul says that our current suffering is not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18).  He calls our current suffering slight and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory that is coming (II Corinthians 4:17).  Since suffering today often seems anything but slight and momentary, the glory that awaits us must be incredible indeed!  So in our suffering we can rejoice in our glorious hope of resurrection.  In our trials we look forward to the glory that awaits us.  Our hope is set on a day when there will be no more crying, or pain, or death, when we will dwell with the Lord forever in the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-5).  This is gospel shaped suffering.

Our suffering can be shaped by the gospel as we rest in Christ’s love and rejoice in our hope.  Do we approach suffering in this way?

We’ll look at some more ways that our suffering can be shaped by the gospel in the next post.