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Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and I fill up what is lacking of Christ’s afflictions in my flesh, on behalf of His body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24, LSB

We are willing to suffer for that which we love. This is true. Loving parents give up of themselves for the sake of their children. Devoted friends will sacrifice for one another. Strong families will do all that they can to support each of their family members. We often see the best of people in times of great need come forth. Suffering is a part of life, and this is no different in our lives in the Church. The Church challenges the nature of the world which is often inverted and looks only for its own best interest. This causes those who are of the world to create suffering for those who hold fast to the faith of Jesus Christ. The world will promise many things but will leave us feeling empty and alone. Christ reverses that promise and looks at the suffering caused by the world for those who hold fast to the faith as confirmation of the work that we are called to do. When we suffer for Christ, we suffer for the salvation of the world, and we are to see the honor given in the afflictions endured for the sake of the world. The worldly people hated Jesus and those who followed Him and that has not changed. Standfast in the struggles and hold fast to the Gospel and in this, we may know Christ’s peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.