Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3 NLT)
Paul wrote these words to a young man that had travelled with him and knew the hardships of service to Christ. What Paul experienced from the enemies of the Gospel were also experiences Timothy had to personally endure. Had Paul detected that his friend and co-laborer was being tempted to shy away from further troubles? Or, was he just reminding him to be strong in the face of the battles he faced in his own ministry assignment? Either way, we all need the encouragement to "endure suffering" so that we will be "good soldier[s] of Christ Jesus."
