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; 1 Thessalonians 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.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in