We have all known the bitter taste of suffering. The wounds go deep and even years later can reopen with blood pouring out fresh. As Christians, we know suffering comes often comes along as part of walking the narrow road to life. Our Savior knew suffering and scripture warns us to expect it, take joy in it, and that it is for our good.

In last week’s article on suffering, I referenced the passage from Romans, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” (8:28) In that article, I explored how suffering does result in good-the growth of our faith. Today, I want to explore how our hope in the midst suffering can be used to benefit others with whom we share our lives.

To read the rest of this article, visit CSAHM, my writing home on Fridays.

“Sanctification is just our getting used to our justification.”

When Tullian Tchvidjian preached at my church recently and made the above statement, it struck me and has stayed with me since. I prefer to think of sanctification as a ten step program. If I stick with it and work really heard, I’ll grow in holiness. I will get better.

I read my bible for 30 minutes. Check. I prayed several times a day. Check. You get the picture. I am a recovering Pharisee; I like programs, plans and lists. I want to be in control of my growth.

For my sanctification to be about me getting used to my justification, it means that my growth is about what Christ has done, not about what I can do. It’s about me drinking at the well of grace, being humbled and completely overcome by all that Christ is and has done. Getting used to my justification means that my everyday life and the realities of the gospel interact everyday. In “Because He Loves Me,” Elyse Fitzpatrick writes, “If we fail to remember our justification, redemption and reconciliation, we’ll struggle in our sanctification.” Keeping my eyes focused on Christ, and not on my own abilities, progress, and attempts at holiness, will help me to walk forward one step at a time. It’s when I look down at myself and my own progress, that like Peter, I begin to sink.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 In each of Paul’s letters, he wrote first about what God did for those of us who are in Christ before he wrote about what our life looks like in Christ. The phrase “beholding the glory of the Lord,” precedes the fact that we are being transformed. We first behold his glory, and then we grow in him. This isn’t a one time event, it’s a daily occurrence where we dwell on the truths of the gospel which in turn give us the fuel to grow in holiness.

When I fail as a parent, I recall all that Christ did for me on the cross. He died for me, knowing I could not be a perfect parent. When I am frustrated about the way people treat me, I remember how I’ve been forgiven for much worse. When I am in despair about the trials in my life, I remember the Man of Sorrows who bore all my sorrows and will one day take away all my tears forever. Preaching the gospel to myself everyday, dwelling by faith on the truth of redemption, in all my circumstances, is what transforms and sanctifies me.

“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17