Romans 8:18 – The weight of suffering 

For I am reckoning that the sufferings of the current era do not deserve the glory about to be revealed for us.

In these verses, Paul contrasts the suffering of the present time with the glory that is to come. He not only thinks of the suffering as believers (: 17), but also of the suffering of the entire corruptible creation (: 20). Imagine putting all the suffering, tears, troubles, pain and sorrow of every creature on one side of the balance. Wouldn’t the sum of that yield immense weight ?!

But wait a minute. On the other side of the balance, Paul lays the future glory. How do those two relate to each other? Is there balance? No, far from it, Paul says triumphantly. The present suffering is even “not worthy” to be compared to the glory to come. It like a speck of dust against a granite boulder.

Paul does not trivialize suffering, but he puts it into perspective. The suffering now, however severe, is only temporary. The glory that comes, on the other hand, is permanent. Incorruptible. This is not a matter of feeling, but of reckoning. Counting on God’s promise. That adds weight!

Delen: