Preserving Hope: Don’t lose heart

Posted by Will Stern on December 18, 2022

Whenever we suffer in life, whether it is our own suffering or coming alongside someone else in the midst of suffering, we’re tempted to be discouraged or lose heart. And that’s why, in the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13, ESV).

We know from verse 1 of this chapter and verse 1 of the next chapter that Paul was languishing in prison when he wrote these words. He had been arrested because of his ministry to the Gentiles and was in chains for the sake of Christ. And that led to profound personal suffering.

But in this passage, Paul isn’t concerned about his own suffering. He’s worried that Christians in Ephesus would be discouraged on account of his suffering. That’s why he says, “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13, ESV).

But how could Paul’s suffering be the glory of the Ephesian Christians? According to the Bible, there is a profound connection between suffering and glory. In another one of his letters, the Apostle Paul says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:16–17, ESV).

But this view of suffering, which sees a profound connection between suffering and glory, is unique. Many Eastern religions teach that suffering is a sign that you have been cursed by the gods. It’s bad karma! But Christianity has a view of redemptive suffering. That’s why, in Colossians 1:24, Paul says that he’s able to fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. That doesn’t mean that his suffering had redemptive value, like the atonement of Christ. But we are called to suffer with Christ. We are called to share in his suffering. And if we share in his suffering, we have the promise that we will also share in his glory.

About Will Stern

Originally from Colorado, Will Stern is the pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Garnet Valley. He majored in violin performance for his undergrad and taught violin for a number of years before being called into ministry. He studied theology at Duke University and Westminster Theological Seminary.