Partakers

1 Peter 4:13 KJV
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Barnes, "That is, sufferings of the same kind that he endured, and inflicted for the same reasons."[1]

We often find that we suffering a kind similar to how Christ suffered. I tried to consider the types of sufferings common to both Christ and Christians I have known:

• Mocking
• Attempts to catch in words (twisting words)
• Conspire with others about
• Whisper against
• Attempts to turn followers against
• Betrayal

Then I tried to consider the reasons for this suffering that would be common to Christ and Christians I have known:

• What we believe
• What we have preached
• The consequences of what we believe (how it changes our lives) and their not wanting to be changed

One cannot help but see though that our duty is not to wallow in pity for the sufferings but rather to rejoice as partakers with Christ.

The reason we can rejoice in the midst of the suffering is that it reminds us that we will also be partakers of His glory when He is comes again.

[1] E-Sword 7.7.7, Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible, Albert Barnes (1798-1870)