Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 (AMPC).
After Jesus saying it was hard for someone rich to get into the kingdom of God, His disciples expressed concern over whether there was any take away for them after they’d left everything to follow Him. Jesus replied “no one who has given up and left house, brothers, sisters, mother, Father, children or lands for Christ’s sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time – brothers, sisters, mothers, children, lands and persecutions or troubles – and in the edge to come eternal life”. Mark 10:29,30.
Jesus assured us that joining and walking with Him is not in vain, rather there are multiplied privileges, honors and benefits that far much more outweigh any sacrifices we may have incurred when we follow Him, then He quickly added in persecutions or troubles as part of the package.
Our walk with Christ is likened to a soldier’s life who sacrifices the comforts of life to attain a certain set, desired goal. While he enjoys envied privileges, honors, and benefits, a soldier also goes through and does things that are inconveniencing, uncomfortable, hurting and even life threatening. From Jesus’ wording a soldier goes through persecution or troubles. The Christian life is so much like that. So, we have and get to learn to do the right things even when it hurts. It hurts when you encounter being misunderstood, criticism, isolation, betrayal, rejection, and outright hostility for the sole reason of choosing to believe and walk in the truth of God’s Word. But keep on going, believing, speaking, doing what’s right. It hurts when those you reach out to love, help, support, do not acknowledge it, accept it, respond back in love or even attack you instead. But keep on loving people even the unlovely and unloving. Even when it hurts do it anyway.