Romans 8:16-17 (NASB)

Bible Commentary

Romans 8:16-17 is an important Bible passage that reveals the reason for our suffering.

There may come a time in our lives that a truth about someone close is revealed. It might be a long-time spouse, friend or even a co-worker. Through circumstances that wouldn’t have shown up except for God, the truth about their motive, weakness or even addiction becomes evident.

Then what do we do? Our flesh probably condemns them does because we are human and their weakness, motive or addiction has caused us pain. As we look back at the truth, we come to realize it has even cost us our health, sense of well-being, our confidence, peace, happiness or stripped us financially.

Then we start to question our choices and our involvement with them in the first place. What if we hadn’t married them, if we hadn’t worked with them for so long, if we had never met them, the list could go on. We backtrack to try and erase the pain of the here and now. Could we have avoided this mess?

But the truth is out and it’s been done, and it can’t be undone. What now?

Romans 8:16-17

we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

What if Judas had never been accepted as a disciple of Jesus? Would Jesus have been betrayed? You see, Jesus did not live his life avoiding people or things that might cause him pain. He was obedient to what His Father told him to do.

And just as Jesus suffered many things being a man of sorrows, He walked hand in hand with His Father in humble and obedient submission. Because He did, He was empowered by the courage, strength and authority His Father gave Him.

When Jesus relented and chose to drink the cup His Father gave Him, the power of God flowed to and through Him to carry out His mission–a mission so important it saved the entire world (John 3:16).

Jesus chose to suffer with us and when we too, accept His will His way which at times means suffering together, we will be glorified with Him. No one in this world is immune to pain or above all reproach. Our suffering can help us understand why Jesus did it for us. He came to save us.

Just as Jesus accepted His Father’s will, as a disciple of Jesus Christ we too must accept what has happened in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones, remembering that Jesus is our Redeemer. He can bring life out of the darkest and deepest pain.

The horrible event at the cross turned into a wonderful event of resurrection and new life three days later. There was a noble and honorable purpose for the pain that wasn’t evident to those who stood by as He was being crucified.

We might not see a purpose right now, but be ready. Resurrection Day is coming. Praise God!

Study Romans 8:16-17 to understand and receive the intimacy of Christ even during times of pain.

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