It should go without saying that when one belongs, they belong to all. That goes for our relationship with Christ as a paramount to our belonging to Him. I have to share all in Christ.
“5For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” — 2 Corinthians 1:5 (ESV)
As Paul addresses the Corinthians, he points out that he and Timothy (especially) share all in Christ, the sufferings and comfort alike. He wants the people to know that it is not always what is wanted, it is sharing all. He also points out that all that he and Timothy share in Christ is taken on for the people and for others.
“6If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.” — 2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)
It is in all that Paul and Timothy are committed for others. They are serving for others. They are doing for others. They have taken on all of Christ to share with others and make things easier for them to bare. Yet, they are also aware that the people will share all with them and in Christ so that things are easier for them to bare.
“7Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” — 2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)
Paul and Timothy shared all in Christ and we are to do the same. For me that means that I am part of the inner circle of Christ’s and He walks with me everywhere I go and we share in the afflictions and comforts together. I am loved by Christ so much that He does not allow for me to walk alone. He is with me all the way and not just watching, but engaging in all with me.
I share all in Christ. I share in the persecution, the afflictions, the ridicule, but also the love, care, and comfort. Christ is my partner through it all and what I experience He has already experienced and will guide me through it. As Paul states above in verse six, “If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,”. Paul and Timothy were just doing the same as Christ did for them and sharing all in Christ. I have to remember to do the same with those around me, share all in Christ for the better of everyone.
What are you sharing in Christ? Are you looking to share only that which is deemed good for you? What if you shared all in Christ and followed His lead and that of Paul and Timothy and did it for the benefit of others and not just for you?
Trevor's Thoughts 