Learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ.
“To live is Christ” makes all our suffering a reason to rejoice. Not because we suffer, but because in suffering we can share in Christ. Share in his acceptance by God. Share in his friendship with the Spirit. Share in his courage. Share in his holiness. Share in his goodness and compassion. Share in his love. Share in his very life. And then, one day, share in his eternal glory.
Knowing Christ’s resurrection power through the fellowship of suffering and the likeness of his death. This is “to live is Christ.”
“To live is Christ” means we are justified by God’s grace. Which in turn means we have peace with God, access into grace, the hope of glory, and even joy in suffering.
“To live is Christ” is to live simultaneously in suffering and glory. The glory of God’s grace found in the cruciform life. Knowing that living this cruciform life today prepares for us an experience of grace in the presence of Christ beyond any light or momentary affliction we are going through today.
“To live is Christ” means we are never alone in our suffering, and we are never meant to leave others alone in theirs. May the God of all comfort grant us the comfort of Christ’s love and life in our suffering. May we reject selfish isolation, and embrace the ministry of shared suffering and shared comfort today and every day until Jesus returns for his bride.
“To live is Christ” is to swallow evil. No more running. No more hiding. No more revenge. Because death, evil, and suffering can no longer defeat us, we can now face them with the resurrection power of Christ. Transforming them into his life and love, his goodness and service.
