Sharing in Affliction
4:14 "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."
When Paul says the Philippians have shared with him in his affliction, he doesn’t mean share their money but share his affliction.
It is amazing, but God has given us the privilege of actually participating with those who are suffering. This is an important part of our fellowship with God’s people: we have all things in common, even our suffering. This is one way we live out our bond with our brothers and sisters in Christ:
"If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it." (1Cor.12:26)
Of course our flesh reacts against taking on someone else’s pain (we don’t even like our own pain). But the flesh must be resisted. Willingly taking on pain is the way we follow in the footsteps of Christ, who willingly took our pain upon Himself. This is part of the cross He calls us to carry (Luke 14:27).
"Weep with those who weep." (Rom.12:15)
"Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal.6:2)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Heb.13:3)
One way we share in their affliction is by financial participation. Paul counted the Philippian gift as their sharing in his afflictions.
One good way we can share in the affliction of our persecuted brethren around the world is through ministries that have been set up to help them. Here are a few you might consider giving to:
Open Doors
PO Box 27001
Santa Ana, CA 92799
714-531-6000
Web page: www.brotherandrew.com
Voice of the Martyrs
PO Box 443
Bartlesville, OK 74005
918-337-8015
email: thevoice@vom-usa.org
Web page: www.persecution.com
The Bible League
16801 Van Dam Road
South Holland, IL 60473
800-334-7017
Web page: www.gospelcom.net/bibleleague
Christian Freedom International
PO Box 535
Front Royal, VA 22630-9917
1-800-323-2273
Web page: www.christianfreedom.org
"Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; ...I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ ...Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’" (Matt.25:34ff.)
Heavenly Father, forgive me for how I think about my own problems as if they are big when so many of my brothers and sisters are really suffering. How ashamed I would be for them to know my thoughts of self-pity in the context of comfort and plenty. Thank You for how Jesus was so willing to take on my burden and bear my suffering. Please help me to be ready and eager to share in the afflictions of others.