Are you suffering in a particular area of your life and attempting to go through it alone? Paul wrote about how to experience joy amidst suffering. His teachings hold true for us today, revealing, first, that joy begins with humility (Philippians 1:1-2).

Second, Paul tells us that joy grows in community.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-8).

Paul’s reason for joy is the church’s partnership for the gospel (Philippians 1:4-5). This means that they had surrendered all of their resources for the cause of Christ. Joy is perpetuated by Paul’s confidence that God, who began a good work (salvation) in the church, would complete it.

This week, rather than going it alone, share your burdens with another person and discover how they can be divided. At the same time, tell him your joys and watch them be multiplied.

Episode 214: Joy in Suffering (Part 1) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.