“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” (2 Corinthians 4:16–17)
The Bible teaches about different kinds of suffering.
- There is suffering because of sin (David and Bathsheba).
- There is suffering because of someone else’s sin (Achan).
- There is suffering because of righteousness’ sake (Paul).
- There is suffering when the cause is not immediately discernible (Job).
Paul’s words here apply most directly to the latter two kinds of suffering.
Speaking of his sufferings as “light afflictions” is surprising given his many sufferings (11:16–33), but explained in that God was working a far greater, eternal weight of glory in them, namely, being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ (3:18). The exaltation of Christ follows His humiliation (Phil. 2:6–11), and this pattern governs Paul’s perspective of his own suffering.
The key to Paul’s perspective is that in the midst of his suffering, he focuses on the eternal things, those things that are invisible to the physical eye (5:7).
The only way to consider real and deep affliction as light is to see them compared to the weight of eternal glory.
As you go through hardships in your life, seek God’s grace to suffer well and to have an eternal perspective, focusing on those things that are not seen and are eternal.
– adapted from Reformation Heritage Study Bible