looking at the call to suffer, from the Bible

Based on the teachings attributed to Jesus in the New Testament, embracing suffering is a significant aspect of following him. Here’s a summary of key themes:

* **Following Jesus’ Example:** Jesus himself endured significant suffering, including betrayal, mockery, and crucifixion. He presented this as a model for his followers, saying things like, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).

* **Suffering as a Consequence of Faith:** Jesus indicated that his followers would face persecution and hardship because of their beliefs. He warned them that the world would hate them as it hated him (John 15:18-20).

* **Suffering as Participation in Christ’s Suffering:** The Apostle Paul elaborated on this idea, suggesting that believers share in Christ’s sufferings, which also means they will share in his comfort and glory (Romans 8:17, Philippians 3:10).

* **Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel:** Followers were encouraged to endure hardship for the sake of spreading the message of Jesus, viewing it as a form of sacrifice and service (2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Corinthians 12:15).

* **Spiritual Growth Through Suffering:** The New Testament often portrays suffering as a means of spiritual growth, character development, and refinement. It can lead to perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).

* **Eternal Perspective:** The emphasis on embracing suffering is often linked to an eternal perspective. Present suffering is seen as temporary and outweighed by the future glory that awaits believers (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

* **Love and Compassion in Suffering:** While embracing their own suffering, Jesus also taught his followers to show love and compassion to others who are suffering (Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:25-37).

It’s important to note that the call to embrace suffering is not a call to seek out pain or to passively accept injustice. Rather, it’s about how believers should respond when suffering comes as a result of their faith and their commitment to following Jesus’ teachings. It involves endurance, perseverance, and finding spiritual meaning in the midst of hardship, with a focus on eternal hope and love for others.