“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
— Romans 8:17–18

Paul’s words here are breathtaking. He’s just declared that all who are led by the Spirit are sons and daughters of God, adopted into His family, and made co-heirs with Christ Himself. But then he adds something unexpected: “if indeed we suffer with Him.”

The Perspective Shift

Verse 18 amplifies verse 17. Paul is saying, in effect, “Do not be discouraged.” Being a son or daughter of God does not exempt you from hardship. In fact, identifying with Christ in this world often means opposition, ridicule, and loss. Yet, Paul insists that “the sufferings of this present time” are simply not worth comparing with the glory that awaits God’s children.

As commentator John Murray notes, there is a “great disproportion between the sufferings endured in this life and the weight of glory reserved for the children of God—the present sufferings fade into insignificance when compared with the glory to be revealed” (cf. 2 Cor. 4:16–18).

Philip Hughes echoes this:

“Christian suffering, however protracted it may be, is only for this present life, which, when compared with the everlasting ages of the glory to which it is leading, is but a passing moment; affliction for Jesus’ sake, however crushing it may seem, is in fact light, a weightless trifle, when weighed against the mass of glory which is the inheritance of the saints.”

Suffering as Part of the Christian Life

Paul and Peter both remind believers not to be surprised when suffering comes. Peter writes, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings…” (1 Peter 4:12–13). Paul likewise urges believers not to grow weary in doing good, even when it results in persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). In other words, suffering for Christ is not an exception but a normal mark of belonging to Him.

Yet it’s crucial to understand what this suffering is—and what it isn’t. Scripture never tells us to resign ourselves to sickness or demonic oppression as though these are crosses we must bear. On the contrary, Jesus consistently healed the sick and cast out demons, and His followers are told to stand against such works of darkness (Ephesians 6:11–13; James 4:7).

So while ridicule, rejection, or loss for Christ’s sake may be unavoidable, sickness and the schemes of the evil one are not things to tolerate—they are things to resist in Jesus’ name.

How Paul Could Speak This Way

Why is Paul so sure? Because he has had a glimpse of that glory. In 2 Corinthians 12:1–6, he recounts being “caught up to the third heaven” and experiencing indescribable realities. Once you’ve seen even a sliver of what awaits God’s children, earthly affliction takes on a radically different weight.

Glory on the Horizon

Paul’s goal is not to minimize your pain but to maximize your hope. Whatever you face for Christ’s sake—misunderstanding, rejection, loss—is temporary. The glory is eternal. And it is yours, not as a reward for endurance, but because you are a child and therefore an heir.