Matthew 5:11-12
Sharing in Suffering—Theodoret
The greatest comfort for those who suffer from false accusations is given in the words of Scripture. When sufferers are wounded by the lying words of an unbridled tongue, and feel the sharp stings of distress, they can remember the story of Joseph. For Joseph was an example of righteousness while suffering under a slanderous charge. He was imprisoned for invading another man’s bed and spent a long time in a dungeon. When they look at Joseph’s model of purity, their pain is eased by the remedy the story provides.
They find the same thing when they look at David, who Saul hunted like a tyrant. When David caught his enemy and let him go unharmed, he received comfort in his distress.
Then there is the story of the Lord Christ Himself, Maker of the ages, Creator of all things, very God, and Son of the very God. Yet He was called a gluttonous man and a drunkard by the wicked Jews. Christ’s suffering is not only comforting but provides great joy to those who suffer. For they are counted worthy of sharing the sufferings of the Lord.
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
Sharing in Suffering—Theodoret
The greatest comfort for those who suffer from false accusations is given in the words of Scripture. When sufferers are wounded by the lying words of an unbridled tongue, and feel the sharp stings of distress, they can remember the story of Joseph. For Joseph was an example of righteousness while suffering under a slanderous charge. He was imprisoned for invading another man’s bed and spent a long time in a dungeon. When they look at Joseph’s model of purity, their pain is eased by the remedy the story provides.
They find the same thing when they look at David, who Saul hunted like a tyrant. When David caught his enemy and let him go unharmed, he received comfort in his distress.
Then there is the story of the Lord Christ Himself, Maker of the ages, Creator of all things, very God, and Son of the very God. Yet He was called a gluttonous man and a drunkard by the wicked Jews. Christ’s suffering is not only comforting but provides great joy to those who suffer. For they are counted worthy of sharing the sufferings of the Lord.
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
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