Suffering For Christ – Part Of Christian Discipleship
LENT 2023 | DAY 3
Matthew 5:9-12 (NIV)
(Alvin Chia, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Matthew 5:9-12 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers. We are to be prepared to be persecuted, insulted or falsely accused of all kinds of evil because of our faith. This is part of Christian discipleship. We are told to rejoice and be glad for our reward will be in heaven.
In Singapore, we are very fortunate that we do not have to suffer intense persecution for our faith. My own experiences with suffering for the Christian faith have to do with not participating in betting pools for the World Cup or chipping in for the big Ang Pow Toto Draw in the office, or to refrain from smoking in school. At most, we might be taunted or labelled as someone “”trying to be holy” or as Christians “who are so square or rigid, where everything also cannot do”.
We often read of missionaries or Christians in some parts of the world that are under intense persecution that may cost their lives. The Lord Jesus has reminded us that there is a cost to following Him. We often only associate with the blessings and grace of God. The passage today reminds us that part of the maturity of the Christian faith is to also share in the sufferings of Christ.
I often pray that the Lord will be merciful and that my faith will be able to withstand the test of persecution and suffering, especially if I have to live through the end times, in particular, if the lives of my loved ones are at stake. The Lord’s words in Mark 8:34 remain a constant reminder to me that “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. May I build my faith to be steadfast to follow Him and remain faithful to the end. The passage today provides the encouragement that all pains and sufferings are temporary. Great is my reward in heaven if I remain in Him.
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. What are some of the challenges and sufferings that we have to endure as a Christian? How prepared are you to suffer for Christ?
2. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” How difficult is it to be a peacemaker, in particular with people who are difficult and more often our loved ones?
3. How can we be different and reflect our lives as Christians so that God may be glorified through our actions?
