Why Must Christians Suffer?

Throughout the history of Christianity, believers have had to endure persecution. In Fact, more believers are suffering today than ever before. But why does God let his people suffer?

Since we are Christ's disciples, the Devil hates us. Consequently, he attacks those believers who are doing the most to take people out of his kingdom. Jesus gave this answer to his followers in John 15:18 (BBE). "If you are hated by the world, keep in mind that I was hated by the world before you."

Jesus also explained to his own unbelieving brothers why they weren't hated but he was. John 7:7 (BBE) says, "It is not possible for you to be hated by the world; but I am hated by it, because I give witness that what it does is evil."

The world, meaning society in general, hates Christ because Satan is its master. As Jesus wisely pointed out in Luke 16:13 (BBE), "No man may be a servant to two masters: for he will have hate for the one and love for the other; or he will keep to the one and have no respect for the other. You may not be servants of God and of wealth."

We are to have such devotion to our Lord and Master that all other relationships in this world take a back seat to him. Luke 14:26 (BBE) says, "And turning round, he said to them, 'If any man comes to me, and has not hate for his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, and even for his life, he may not be my disciple.'"

I'll point out the aspect of suffering in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? Suffering for Christ doesn't mean punishment but our Lord tests our faith in him through it. May we all pass the test.

So if you're suffering because you're a believer, you're in good company. The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews shows all the people who trusted in God for rewards not yet received.

On Thursday, I'll deal with the apparent contradiction of suffering for Christ being joyous and why it's so.