The Bible teaches us that suffering can be redemptive and can help save others - believe it or not. In Colossians 1:24, Paul writes, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” This passage suggests that our suffering can be united with and in Christ’s suffering and can be used to benefit others, which ultimately leads them to indwelling salvation.
Authentic Christians should believe in the notion of suffering on behalf of others so that the suffering can actually help them to attain salvation. This is part of the Body of Christ, where God can apply the suffering of one person to the soul of another person in order to benefit the latter, which requires the release of our Lord’s compassion from within.
In summary, adopting a Christ-as-Life form of Biblical sufferings of others means that we can offer up our own suffering to help others attain salvation. This is a powerful way to release Christ and love others as He loves them. We are called to love in a radical way. Since this is impossible without the Life of Christ, we must be exhorted to release His indwelling Life. When we do, we are able to love with His love and Grace - for this is the gift of Jesus in our lives. Compassion is the doorway to this mission!
Lion of Judah Films is an outreach of IOM America. Our mission is to provide quality Christ-as-Life media to viewers who need a refreshed view of the believer’s identity in Jesus Christ. We are 100% dependent on the donors of our viewers in Christ. Consider assisting us in our mission HERE.
COMPASSION: Adopting Sufferings