Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Suffering is not something we aspire to on a daily basis. Actually, most of
us aspire to live a life free from suffering. We dedicate our lives to going to
the right schools, establishing the right careers, and developing the right
social status. Suffering is something we desperately try to avoid; but Paul
would argue for the contrary.
The
selected portion from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth highlights the
extensive amount of suffering he endured for the sake of the Gospel. He was
beaten, starved, shipwrecked, in danger from robbers, and left to fight the
elements at times (v.24-27). Yet Paul continues to boast in these experiences.
He claims his sufferings were worthwhile compared to the reward: glorifying
Jesus Christ and building up the Corinthian people. Paul ends his account of
abuses by claiming that if he must boast, it is to show his weaknesses (v 30).
I
believe Paul boasts about his weaknesses to demonstrate the cost of
discipleship. Suffering is an imperative part of our Christian walk because it
does not bring glory to us, but rather glorifies God’s sovereignty, mercy,
love, and grace. Rather than resenting God or becoming bitter, Paul boasts in
his weaknesses and showcases how suffering is part of a true walk with Jesus
Christ. By sharing his experiences with the Corinthian church, Paul teaches the
Corinthians what it takes to be a disciple and how we must endure suffering to
strengthen our relationship with God.
In
our lives, the first step is to accept that a true walk with Jesus Christ
includes suffering. Rather than building a life devoid of pain, we should seek
out experiences that bring glory to God and test our faith in Him. If those
experiences take us on a rocky path where we might be financially strained,
physically worn, or mentally exhausted, we should remember Paul. Our lives are
created to serve others and spread the Gospel, so we should count every
hardship as a step towards true apostleship.
Suffering is not something we aspire to on a daily basis. Actually, most of us aspire to live a life free from suffering. We dedicate our lives to going to the right schools, establishing the right careers, and developing the right social status. Suffering is something we desperately try to avoid; but Paul would argue for the contrary.
The selected portion from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth highlights the extensive amount of suffering he endured for the sake of the Gospel. He was beaten, starved, shipwrecked, in danger from robbers, and left to fight the elements at times (v.24-27). Yet Paul continues to boast in these experiences. He claims his sufferings were worthwhile compared to the reward: glorifying Jesus Christ and building up the Corinthian people. Paul ends his account of abuses by claiming that if he must boast, it is to show his weaknesses (v 30).
I believe Paul boasts about his weaknesses to demonstrate the cost of discipleship. Suffering is an imperative part of our Christian walk because it does not bring glory to us, but rather glorifies God’s sovereignty, mercy, love, and grace. Rather than resenting God or becoming bitter, Paul boasts in his weaknesses and showcases how suffering is part of a true walk with Jesus Christ. By sharing his experiences with the Corinthian church, Paul teaches the Corinthians what it takes to be a disciple and how we must endure suffering to strengthen our relationship with God.
In our lives, the first step is to accept that a true walk with Jesus Christ includes suffering. Rather than building a life devoid of pain, we should seek out experiences that bring glory to God and test our faith in Him. If those experiences take us on a rocky path where we might be financially strained, physically worn, or mentally exhausted, we should remember Paul. Our lives are created to serve others and spread the Gospel, so we should count every hardship as a step towards true apostleship.