The expression “Sufferin’ Succotash” was made famous by the Looney Tunes cartoon character Sylvester the Cat. I often watched these cartoons as a child. Now as an adult, I’ve had an epiphany: Succotash doesn’t suffer but genuine children of God do! 

 

False teachers who permeated the church Paul founded at Corinth verbally assaulted him. The great missionary defended his apostleship by giving a long list of what he suffered for the cause of Christ (2 Cor. 11:22-33). At the end of the expansive list, he writes, “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). 

 

My friends, there are two traits genuine Christians model. First, they are willing to endure hardship for the cause of Christ. Secondly, they have a heart for what is important to God. This consists of loving their Christian brothers and sisters. I pray that you will show that you are the real Christian deal by remaining steadfast in the midst of suffering and through loving the church of Jesus Christ.