Trials and sufferings serve to purify our faith which is thereby shown to be genuine (1 Peter 1:6-7). Our faithfulness in trials shows God that we did not receive the word on stony ground (Matthew 13:20-21).

Trials in the life of a Christian also serve another inportant purpose. They enable us to empathize with those who are experiencing similar trials: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

In this regard we are following in Jesus' footsteps: "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation [Jesus] perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10).

Would Jesus have been imperfect without His suffering? Not in the sense of sin, because He never sinned! But without suffering He would not be able to empathize with us as our high priest in our sufferings. He is now thoroughly capable of doing so: "We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Let's rejoice in the trials God allows us to experience. They help us to be able to love our neighbor as ourselves.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!