What is decisive in Christian suffering? It lies in the fact that it is voluntary – “on account of the Word” and “for righteousness’ sake.” The disciples left everything to follow Christ. Their sacrifice was voluntary. Someone may be unfortunate to lose everything he owns and has; but he has not given up the least thing. Not like the Apostles! Herein lies the confusion.
In today’s Christianity we take ordinary human suffering and turn it into a Christian example. “Everyone has cross to bear.” We preach unavoidable human trials into being Christian suffering. How this happens is beyond me! To lose everything and give up everything are no synonymous. To the contrary, the difference between them is infinite. If I happen to lose everything, this is one thing. But I voluntarily give up everything, choose danger and difficulties, this is something entirely different. When this happens it is impossible to avoid the trial that comes with carrying Jesus’ cross. This is what Christian suffering means, and it is a whole scale deeper than ordinary human adversity.
To suffer Christianly is not to endure the inescapable but to suffer evil at the hands of people because you voluntarily will and endeavor to do only the good: to willingly suffer on account of the Word and for the sake of righteousness. This is how Christ suffered. This alone is Christian suffering.
Taken from Provocations – Spiritual Writings of Søren Kierkegaard, complied and edited by Charles E Moore.
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