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NASB | Colossians 1:24 ¶ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Colossians 1:24 ¶ Now I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf. And with my own body I supplement whatever is lacking [on our part] of Christ's afflictions, on behalf of His body, which is the church. |
Subject: Suffering for Christ's sake |
Bible Note: Well, tomn, I think it puts us in a bit of an odd position. For example, the fiancé of a woman I know has admitted to her that he has developed a serious infatuation for another woman, but does not wish to break off their engagement. Since my friend cannot legitimately accept this rejection in conjunction with the world's rejection of Christ, and offer it up to Him as her share in that suffering, I suppose she is doomed to fight it as we would any evil. Do we participate in the March of Dimes walkathons, write our Congress members to oppose Arctic drilling, sponsor underprivileged third world children? Then we must also actively oppose any injustice or wrong, wherever we may find it. The problem is, I think some evils just CAN'T be avoided, and others SHOULDN'T be. I think the solution for my friend is to accept that her beloved's heart has waxed cold, and cut her losses. The trust is gone. But you can't support that position Biblically, unless we include that kind of suffering with Col 1:24. We are told to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, etc. Never are we encouraged to leave, forsake, or depart from a Christian brother or sister on account of personal injury. In cases where suffering CAN'T be avoided, such as a freak accident that leaves one paralyzed, for example, I believe it's much better to be able to accept the reality of the situation and make the best of it, rather than to become bitter at the unfairness of it all. But if it can't be HOLY suffering, then it IS unfair, and evil, and we are RIGHT to get mad as hell about it, aren't we? --Cheryl |