Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:10, LSB
When all is well, it is easy to carry with us the joy of being followers of Christ. However, this is not the state we will always live within. Suffering happens. We become ill. We have differences with others. People will say and do unkind things. We don’t live in a world that is always thoughtful. People don’t walk around with cheery smiles and happy greetings. This is where the reminder of our Lord’s death and suffering is something we are to carry with us. To remind us what He endured for us and to seek to emulate His servant behavior to the world. It doesn’t mean that we should paste on a fake smile and act as if all is well all the time, by no means. Our attitudes and treatment of others are not to be centered on how another is treating us, but in Christ’s love for humanity. Christ died for each of us including that unkind person who we desire to not have anywhere near us. This is where the rubber hits the road. This does not mean we have to hug that person and act as though they are the most wonderful person. Just treat them with kindness and not let their behavior dictate our behavior toward them and others. In this, we reflect our Lord’s peace and walk in it.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.