I had no idea that suffering could be emotional, or 
physical.  Spiritual, I understand, but somehow, it never crossed my 
mind that it could be emotional, or purely physical.


In HIS MATCHLESS NAME,

purple Mari



At 07:51 AM 12/27/2007, you wrote:
>Representing Christ
>
>
>Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: 
>that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of 
>your affairs, that
>ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the 
>faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: 
>which is to them an
>evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of 
>God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to 
>believe on Him, but also
>to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, 
>and now hear to be in me. (Philippians 1:27-30).
>
>
>It is crucial to live a life that reflects well upon our Lord. A 
>non-Christian once said of an aquaintance's conversion, "The only 
>thing different about him is his language; he no longer swears." 
>People are watching us. Their view of Christ may depend on how you 
>and I represent Him.
>
>Paul appeals to the Church then and now, "Stand firm in one spirit, 
>with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel ... 
>not frightened ... by you opponents" (Verses 27-29).
>
>This statement is a transition, coupling the need to represent 
>Christ well with the meaning of suffering.
>
>Dietrich Bonhoeffer once stated that to be a Christian is to share 
>in the suffering of Christ.   Ponhoeffer said for His discipleship 
>with His life; so did Paul, Stephen, Peter, and many others.
>
>We can be sure that to follow Christ will mean suffering. All 
>suffering is not physical; it can be emotional, mental, or even 
>spiritual. Christians will sacrifice their
>lives--some in death, all in a living sacrifice.
>
>Living for Christ is frightening. Living without Him is frightening.
>
>Yet in the midst of these statements, Paul speaks of great joy.
>
>Let's pray that God will pour out his Spirit on us so that His joy 
>may fill us.