Redemptive Suffering

 

After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged,
ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus,
and dismissed them.

So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they had been found worthy
to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.
And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes,
they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.

John 6: 1-15

After the apostles were flogged then released, their hearts were filled with joy that they were found worthy to suffer on account of your name.  They continued to preach your words unafraid.

Just as Jesus died on the cross to save us, the apostles were willing to give up their lives to witness to your name, oh God.  I never thought about this type of suffering, the nature of which is born of love.