“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;…” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV)
REFLECTION
I certainly don’t seek out suffering, but while we are living in this fallen world, it will invariably show up in some form. How we respond to suffering determines how we transform while we endure it. We can choose to become embittered or we can choose to draw near to our perfectly trustworthy Maker, and process our pain with Him, in the light of His Love Letter (the sacred scriptures) given to us. Whether the suffering is due to deeply sacrificial love or the consequences of a foolish decision, the pain is real… and the One who went to the cross to save us is the only One who fully understands and can meet us in the depths of our particular pain. Christian counselling and community are important components in learning to love and steward suffering well – however – we need to prioritise our relationship with our Maker, who loves and knows us best, so that we can better cooperate with those He leads us to. Lest we forget that He is the Vine and we are the branches. See John 15:1-17 NIV 👉https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-17&version=NIV
PRAYER POEM
LORD, I’m eternally grateful for Your incomparable sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, to free me and lead me into eternal victory. Nothing on this earth compares to Your sacrificial love from above. Help me to deeply abide in You, irrespective of what I feel, face or go through.
