Sharing In His Sufferings

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death." - Philippians 3:10

This verse presents a challenging pairing: we want the "power of his resurrection," but Paul says this comes hand-in-hand with the "sharing of his sufferings." The Greek word for sharing is koinonia, meaning deep fellowship or partnership. Paul suggests that we cannot fully know Jesus if we only know His victory; we must also know His sacrificial love. Suffering here isn't about masochism or seeking out pain for pain's sake. It is about the inevitable cost of loving a broken world. It is the "suffering" of compassion (literally "suffering with"). When we align ourselves with God's heart for the poor, the marginalized, and the lost, we will feel the pain they feel. We will encounter the resistance Jesus encountered.

Dr. Martinez had a lucrative offer to join a private practice in a wealthy suburb. It would have meant regular hours, a high salary, and prestige. Instead, she felt called to open a clinic in an underserved neighborhood known for violence and poverty. She knew it would mean financial sacrifice, safety concerns, and long, emotionally draining hours. Friends called her idealistic; she knew she was just trying to follow Jesus. Over the years, she experienced burnout and heartache, but she also saw lives saved and dignity restored. She realized that "sharing in Christ's sufferings" meant willingly absorbing some of the chaos of the world so others could experience healing. She was becoming like Him in His death—laying down her privilege for the sake of others.

Sharing in Christ's sufferings means willingly accepting the "cost" that comes with loving others sacrificially. It is the inconvenience of hospitality. It is the emotional toll of listening to someone's trauma. It is the reputational risk of standing up for an unpopular cause. When we stand with the oppressed or serve those in need, we are not just doing "charity"; we are entering into the fellowship of Christ. We are nearest to the heart of God when we are near to the brokenhearted, even if it hurts.

Instead of shying away from the hardships or sacrifices that might come with following God—whether it’s risking your financial security, stepping outside your social comfort zone, or giving up precious time—consider intentionally embracing something this week that challenges you in a new way. Invite yourself to say yes to a sacrificial act, maybe giving away resources you’d planned to use for yourself or offering your time to someone in need at a cost to your own preferences. As you step into that space of discomfort, pay close attention to how God uses your obedience to draw you closer to the heart of Jesus, helping you discover that deep fellowship often grows most when you willingly absorb the cost of love.

When you suffer for the sake of justice and love, you are not alone. You are sharing in the redemptive work that Christ began on the cross, and you are knowing Him in a way that comfort can never teach you.

Jesus, help us understand that sharing in Your sufferings is a privilege that connects us to Your redemptive work. Save us from a comfortable faith that costs us nothing. Give us the courage to accept the costs of loving others sacrificially. Amen.