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Joy Amidst Pain
The Christian life is a walking and living paradox.
written last February 2020
The Christian life is a walking and living paradox.
If we live for ourselves, we die. (Matthew 16:25)
If we die to ourselves, we will live. (Matthew 16:25)
Those who surrender will experience freedom.
Those who do good will be persecuted. (Matthew 5:11–12)
Another paradox of Christianity is the practical living of joy amidst the pain.
As Christians, Paul mentioned the focus of joy amidst pain and suffering. This is not a command to ignore the pain and focus on positivity. Our emotions and our circumstances are valid.
We are not commanded to rejoice at the death of a loved one. Our hearts will long for us to grieve and mourn.
We are not commanded to be joyful at a business growing bankrupt. Our hearts will beg for us to weep.
We are not called to cheer at the sight of our failing grades. Our hearts will press us to feel discouraged but to strive harder.
Our emotions are valid, but there will be a time when we’ll ask: How can I be joyful despite these problems?
