@kdhartfiel respectfully, I have to question the assertion that God prefers we learn apart from “the fire”. Even Jesus was subjected to suffering and it was part of Gods plan (Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered).
If we say that only those who are thick-headed have to endure persecution - and that God would prefer they learn another way, it dismisses a huge, faithful part of the body of Christ.
@kdhartfiel Finally - in the sermon on the mount, Jesus Himself taught: “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:10). I have to conclude that suffering and persecution are critical elements of the Christian experience and are God’s best for us.
@katharos @kdhartfiel
I think that suffering draws us closer to our Lord. I think here in the west it might be necessary for this persecution to come to draw us to him and separate the wheat from the chaff!
