Though Paul repeats many of his themes from letters we’ve previously studied, note that 1:24 is perhaps his most clear exposition of the “Redemptive Value of Suffering” Church teaching. (Someone might ask “What could be lacking in Christ’s suffering and the benefits we received from it?” The answer: “Our participation in it.“)
We can “offer up” our suffering, to unite it with Christ’s suffering on the cross, for the benefit of others. Don’t waste your suffering!!!
