For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. —Philippians 1:29.
When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples were “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Since Jesus has already victoriously passed through the horrible ordeal of his crucifixion for us, we should consider it a privilege, not a hardship, to share in his sufferings. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are “under fire.” So let’s keep our character when under attack and rejoice because we’ve seen in Jesus what happens when God’s children are faithful even at the cost of their lives.