If is often thought (and seems clear from verse 13) that Paul is writing Philippians from prison. When he says, “the privilege of suffering,” he knows what he’s talking about. But the suffering isn’t the point. We don’t become Christians because we love pain. Instead, suffering together brings us closer in community and closer to Christ, who also suffered. We shouldn’t seek pain out— it’s going to show up on its own— but we can build one another up and share one another’s burdens. This is the real-life business of the church.