What does the Bible say about suffering for the church?

In Colossians 1:24, the apostle Paul expresses that he rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of the church, highlighting a profound connection between Christ's afflictions and those of His followers. This does not suggest that Jesus' sufferings were incomplete or in need of being supplemented by the pains of His people. Instead, it emphasizes that His sacrifice on the cross was fully sufficient for atonement and redemption. Jesus suffered in utter solitude for sin, fulfilling the just requirements of God's wrath and bringing His people to God through His once-for-all offering.

The essence of Paul's statement lies in the fact that believers share in Christ's sufferings, which He deeply empathizes with. Jesus remains intimately connected with His church, participating in their struggles and sorrows throughout their afflictions. This fellowship in suffering is a source of encouragement, reminding believers that they are not alone; their sufferings are known to Christ, who bears their burdens alongside them. The same compassion that He demonstrated on earth continues in His exalted state.

Ultimately, this teaching reinforces the theological principle of union with Christ: His righteousness and merits are imputed to believers, while He bears their sorrows and ensures His love and support in every trial they experience. The comforting truth underlying this scripture is that Christ identifies with His people, making their struggles part of His own experience, thus inviting them to trust in His sustaining grace.