“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." ~Romans 8:16-17
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” ~Romans 8:16-17
Reminds me of another verse from Philippians 3:
“All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of His resurrection, to share in His sufferings and become like Him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life.”
This used to scare me…Share in His sufferings? Does this mean crucifixion? No way! I know there are studies on “the worst ways to die” as well as “the least painful ways” - some seem to be obsessed with thinking about it. Someone dear to me has already planned their method in the event that they become terminally ill. I cry for them - they do not know Christ. If they did, they would have hope.
So what does ‘sharing in His sufferings’ mean? Jesus had to suffer before being glorified, as He tells the disciples on the road to Emmaus [Luke 24:26]. The very things about the death of Jesus that disturbed them were also the strongest proof that He was the Messiah of the Old Testament.
Romans 8 goes on: “if indeed we suffer together, so that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us.” Peter tells in chapter 4 of 1 Peter that if we suffer because of our belief in Christ, then glory awaits us.
At the peak of the agony of the cross, Jesus says, “Father forgive them” - I think that He was referring to mankind, not just the men actively putting Him to death. Becoming like Him in death means that no matter how we are treated, we are to love and forgive. It’s impossible on our own, but “all things are possible thru Christ who strengthens me!” ~Philippians 4:13
Here’s to the sharing of His glory! Glory to God in the highest!
Written by Bonnie Chovanec, 2026
