Evangelical
Sisterhood of Mary

God loves us. This is why He longs for us to rejoice and be glad – already now, but most of all on the day of His Son’s return. Who will experience this joy? — Those who suffer with Christ. The apostle Peter challenges us to ‘rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings’ (see 1 Peter 4:13 RSV). He even calls it a special privilege to suffer pain and disgrace for Jesus’ sake. Why? It is the way to the abundant joy our heavenly Father wants to give. He cannot bear to see anyone sad. When God counts you worthy of being misunderstood, excluded and humiliated for His name’s sake, say, ‘Thank You for counting me worthy of suffering for Your name’s sake.’ Then joy will enter your heart.

Taken from Father of Comfort by M. Basilea Schlink