Philippians 1:19, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake."

 

There is a popular song in Telugu: "Jesus is with me, therefore, I have no suffering and sorrows." The gospel that is preached today by many preachers is this: Believe in Christ and He will take away all your problems and you don't have to suffer anymore. Believe in Christ and you will be blessed (physically and materially).

Contrarily, the Holy Bible reveals that believers have been granted to suffer (Phi. 1:19). In Greek, the term "granted" literally means "graced" or "gifted". Paul says that it is a gift or a privilege to suffer for Christ.

Years ago, Philip Yancey and Paul Brand wrote a book entitled, "Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants". True, we all want blessings from Christ, not sufferings for Christ. Yet, when the apostles suffered, they rejoiced because they counted worthy to suffer for Christ's Name (Acts 5:42). Paul also desired to share in Christ's sufferings, becoming like him in his death (Phi. 3:10).

The suffering of a Christian is not just as the world suffers. This suffering is even more than that. This suffering is for Christ's sake. If you are a Christian, you will face suffering from your unbelieving family members. If you are a Christian, you will suffer for your stand for truth, righteousness, and justice. If you are a Christian, you will experience suffering for preaching the gospel of Christ Jesus.

So, if you are a Christian, you will suffer (2 Timo 3:12). You will suffer outside but there is joy inside. The Scripture declares, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but ALSO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" (Philippians 1:19). The Scripture, in the same letter, also asserts, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice" (Phi. 4:4).