The Gift of Suffering

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the gift of suffering; about the transformative power of what death to self is.

We all die to ourselves in little and big ways every day. Whether it’s by not scrolling through social media for an hour plus, being patient with a boundary-pushing toddler, or letting go of minor things with our spouse. This is love; this is suffering.

Love is suffering.

When I look at the cross, I see love and I see suffering. I see what Christ did out of love on the cross to save humanity; to save you and to save me. I also see all the suffering He had to endure in order to save us. Love comes with a cost.

Love isn’t butterflies and rainbows, and allll the ~~~good feelings~~~. Love is a choice. Love is choosing to die to self for the sake of the other person.

We live in a culture where we’re surrounded by phrases like “Follow your heart” or “Pursue your passions” or “If it feels good, do it”. Jesus didn’t feel good when he subjected himself to death on the cross for our sake. Jesus chose to die on the cross because He loves us, He was willing to give everything — his own life — to save us.

How is God calling you to die to yourself?

Are there any areas in your heart where you’re resisting God’s invitation of death to self?

Lord, grant us the courage we need to say yes to you. Help us to trust in you, and grant us the grace we need to die to ourselves. Amen.