City of Heaven (Pt. 1)

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Hello folks. Today's devotional will be part of a short two or three part series on Heaven.

Date​	June 12, 2024 | City of Heaven Pt. 1 - No Suffering​
Verse​	Romans 8:18-19 (NIV): "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV): "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Revelation 21:4 (NIV): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."​
Explanation​	These three passages from the Bible all speak to the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven, where there will be no more suffering or pain. In Romans 8:18-19, Paul is emphasizing the importance of looking beyond the present sufferings of this life and focusing on the glory that will be revealed in us. He is encouraging believers to have faith and hope in the future resurrection and the ultimate redemption of all creation. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 speaks to the reality of suffering in this life, but encourages believers to not lose heart because they are being renewed inwardly, and their momentary troubles will result in an eternal glory that far outweighs them. The focus is on the unseen, eternal rewards that await us in heaven. Revelation 21:4 is a description of the New Heaven (New Jerusalem) and New Earth, where God will dwell with His people and there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. This passage emphasizes the complete renewal and restoration that will come to believers in the resurrection. These verses all relate to the lack of pain and suffering in heaven by emphasizing the importance of faith and hope in the future resurrection and eternal life. Christians can trust that their present sufferings are temporary and that God will make all things new and restore them to wholeness through Jesus.​
Societal Relevance​	To focus on Jesus instead of our own desires or suffering on Earth, Christians (both Catholics and Protestants) can practice regular prayer, Bible study, and attending church services. They can also seek out fellowship with other believers and engage in acts of service and love towards others. By keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus and His love, they can find peace and strength in the midst of suffering. ​ When coping with the loss of a loved one, it is important to remember that God is with us in our grief and that He will bring comfort and healing in His own time. Christians can turn to prayer, Scripture, and the support of their faith community, family, friends or a psychologist for strength and encouragement. They can also find ways to honor the memory of their loved one and continue their legacy of faith and love. Ultimately, the hope of the resurrection and eternal life in heaven provides comfort and hope for those who have lost loved ones. Eventually, as Christians, we will go to heaven, and reunite with our deceased loved ones, assuming our family member or friend gave his/her life to Jesus.