Loving Christ is a Worthy Cause

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Deliver those who are drawn toward death and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” [1]

The USA Director of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, put it this way, “One thing I am a firm believer in is that God created us to serve people. We are happier when we are fulfilling our purpose. So most of the time when I find someone who is miserable, I am trying to remind them to go do something for somebody else. We will be happier physically, mentally and spiritually if we are serving other people because that is why we were created.” [2]

So, rather than turn inward during adversity, turn outward. Empathize with the suffering of another and lift that person out of their pit! The Bible says, “Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” [3]

“I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” [4]

I have experienced despair. I have been wounded. My human response was to withdraw from service. To insulate myself from further heartbreaks as best I could. But that, response was not helpful to me, glorifying to God and not loving towards my neighbor.

I agree with what Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote.

“I hold it true, whate'er befall.
I feel it when I sorrow most.
‘Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.’” [5]

Love for others does yield pain. Look what it did to Jesus Christ. But life without love is not life.

I like what singer songwriter Sarah Groves wrote about love:

“Have you listed all the times you've tried
Do you call on all your alibis
When somebody asks the question why are you hiding
Did you feel the pull, did you hear a call
Did you take a chance and lose it all
Do you fear there's no collateral left for trying”

“Friend I know your heart is raw
But love is still a worthy cause
Picking up and pressing on
Oh love is still a worthy cause
It's the touch that starts the thaw
Love is still a worthy cause
Or the word that breaks the pause
Love” [6]

Rather than focus on negative outcomes, focus on fellowship with Jesus.

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [7]

Fellowship with God is wonderful. Suffering for the sake of love keeps us close to Jesus.

Once a torturer urinated in the face of an imprisoned Christian pastor. Afterwards, he mockingly asked the pastor, “Now, tell me, are you made in the image of God?” The Christian answered, “Yes. God also has a face of suffering.” He referred to the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

“Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; whose face was marred more than any man.” [8]

Paul wrote from a prison cell, after being unjustly imprisoned, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [9]

God’s grace fills the gaps.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” [10]

The consolations of Christ outweigh the losses. He consoles us as we describe to Him our pain.

Even Jesus made loud cries to the Father. “In the days of His flesh, when He [Jesus] had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” [11]

Some of the greatest revelations and blessings have come to me after times of suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

“The God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [12]

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” [13]

Compared to eternity with Christ, this life is a vapor that briefly appears and then disappears. Don’t lose your heart! Keep it by loving God, relying on His mercy, and by holding onto your hope in Him.

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” [14]

[1] Proverbs 24:10-11
[2] Kristi Noem at CPAC Summit Against Human Trafficking - 7/23/25
[3] Galatians 6:2
[4] Proverbs 24:30-34
[5] In Memoriam A. H. H., 27.13-17: “A.H.H” stands for Arthur Henry Hallum. Arthur was Alfred’s closest friend. He died suddenly at the young age of 22. Arthur inspired Alfred to write. Arthur’s death shattered Tennyson’s world.
[6] “Love is Still a Worthy Cause,” Tell Me What You Know album, by Sara Groves ‧ 2007
[7] 1 John 1:3-4
[8] Isaiah 52:14
[9] Philippians 4:11-13
[10] 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
[11] Hebrews 5:7-8
[12] 1 Peter 5:10-11
[13] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[14] Jude 1:21