Thoreau once described a city as a place where many people are “lonely together.” Residents of a high-rise apartment can be suffering greatly while the people in the next apartment know nothing about it. Our world can promote spiritual and emotional isolation and insulation, even to the point that we watch others suffer without really caring.

But when Christians suffer, their faith should reach upward to God—and their love should reach outward to their fellow believers.

“Behold, how they love one another!” was the confession of the pagan world as it beheld the miracle of Christian fellowship. The early believers were only obeying the commandment of their Lord, “Love one another.” Their own suffering did not prevent
them from sharing love with others who were suffering. Should we Christians today love any less?

Verse for today: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, NIV).
Further study: Romans 8:28-39; 1 Corinthians 12:26; 2 Corinthians 1:2-7; 1Thessalonians 3:12; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 5:9.

Action assignment: How do you react to personal suffering? Do you withdraw from people or go to the opposite extreme? How long does it take you to turn to the Lord for comfort and help?
Pray that when you experience suffering, you will remain open to God and to others, letting God’s love flow through you.

Also, think about fellow Christians around the world who are suffering today. Pray earnestly for their safety and for God’s power to be evident in their lives.