We don't embrace suffering easily, do we? Even in the smallest sense. I felt that way yesterday, being drawn into something not of my choosing. I didn't want to suffer through the emotional turmoil and the aftermath of offences. You know, been there done that often enough!

When I was thinking these thoughts what came to mind was shame, instant shame because I remembered the suffering of my Lord Jesus. He came willing to suffer the wrath of God for my sins, He sweat great drops of blood in the garden, He endured shame and died the agonizing death of the cross. He also asked " Oh my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt".

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake"

We are called to suffer through misunderstandings and not lean to the flesh with anger and hurt feelings. Is it easy? The most minimal of suffering is not easy, it goes against our very nature, but we have a new nature, the nature of Christ who suffered for us and it is His will that we, in the spirit, suffer, forgive and reconcile all things with each other. May we each have His strength and wisdom to do so.