Heart for Others

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies...So death is at work in us, but life in you.(2 Corinthians 4:7-10,12 NRSV)

What an amazing verse. These words came from the heart of Paul, who knew what it meant to identify with Christ's sufferings. And he rejoiced in his suffering! What a maniac. Who would rejoice in suffering? Well...Paul did, and the end of that passage gives us insight into his mindset. He said, "Death is at work in us, but life in you." He was talking to the church that was in Corinth, and he was writing to validate his authority as an Apostle. One of the marks of his life was suffering (see 2 Corinthians 11:24-29), and Paul understood that because of his suffering, life was at work in people.

To preach the Gospel meant persecution. If there wasn't persecution, then the message of Jesus wasn't being preached. If the message of Jesus wasn't being preached, then people couldn't hear it, and if people couldn't hear it, then they couldn't respond, and if they couldn't respond, then they wouldn't be able to receive life through Christ. Therefore, Paul rejoiced in his sufferings because it meant that people were hearing the Gospel and had a chance to gain life in Christ.

Our fears often keep us from sharing the Gospel. But the promise of God is that though we might be persecuted (whether physically, intellectually, or culturally), we are never abandoned by God. Though the world might try to crush us, they can never destroy us even if they kill us because we have eternal life through Jesus.

So let us not be afraid. Let us do the work and share our faith however God is prompting us, with a friend, family member, coworker, or someone across the world, through words and through action. For our sacrifice and suffering, even awkward moments in conversation, means life is at work in those who hear. A good start is to invite people to the Gathering. How will they come if they are not invited?

God bless you all.
See you next week at the Gathering.
-Tim