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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. |
Bible Question (short): Seeking out suffering? |
Question (full): Thank you for your comments, New Creature! Yes, He did tell us that no servant is greater than his Master (John 13:16). If we follow Him who suffered so much for us, we can expect to suffer ourselves... I am wondering, though, considering everything that has been said in this thread so far -- couldn't this view of suffering lead us to seek out suffering unnecessarily or arbitrarily? There would be nothing holy about that, or would there? Some people seem to do this subconsciously anyway -- instead of seeking out further suffering, shouldn't they be seeking ways to overcome their circumstances wherever possible, to the glory of God? Even Jesus prayed that the cup be taken from Him, if possible. Yet He emphasized that He was laying down His life of His own accord (John 10:11, 18) and even rebuked Peter for trying to interfere with His arrest in the Garden. Is this because He was fully divine, and only did the Father's will? And is this the example we are to follow in every circumstance? What about, for instance, a Christian woman caught in an abusive marriage? Even if her suffering is sanctified through Christ, should she not seek to escape it if possible? --Cheryl |