Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
Christian persecution occurs daily in all sorts of manifestations. It occurs in the workplace and the school yard. Some are persecuted in their own homes. We hear the horrific stories of those being persecuted to the point of beatings and death around our world. Persecution can be seen in our politics and becoming more evident in our educational system. Persecution can be not only physical, yet mental, emotional, and psychological as well. And why does this occur? All because of one’s belief and faith in Jesus Christ.
This isn’t anything new for Jesus. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18. So, you’re not alone. You’re actually in fabulous company.
Throughout the New Testament we read of the evidence of Christians being persecuted. The ultimate story that comes to my mind (besides the one of Christ) is the one of Saul being one of the major persecutors becoming Paul the persecuted. What a transformation! Read through the bible and discover the attitude change in just Paul’s example alone. When he was Saul, you could sense an arrogance. An arrogance of bitterness, hatred, and pride. When Saul became Paul his attitude became one with urgency, determination, and hope in the life to come. Some may debate and say that Paul was still arrogant. I would combat that the difference in his arrogance is now his wasn’t one of importance and pride in himself, but in Christ. He became selfless for The King, instead of selfish for his own advancement.
Haters gonna hate. You will be blessed. God’s Spirit is in you. My friends, don’t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you. 13 But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory. 14 When people say bad things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
Do good, not wrong. Let the hope you have in Christ exude from your being so others may see. Those who persecute you will be ashamed later. But you may suffer for doing right. If that happens, you have God’s blessing. “Don’t be afraid of the people who make you suffer; don’t be worried.” 15 But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. 16 But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear. Then people will see the good way you live as followers of Christ, and those who say bad things about you will be ashamed of what they said. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:14-17
Yes, we will suffer. But…there’s ETERNAL LIFE in the end with Christ: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
Hang on. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
So what are we to do?
- Pray: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
- Continue to share the gospel: And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
- Don’t give up: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Just be…hopeful, strong, and confident in Him.
Have a wonderful day.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up THE SON every moment of each day. –Stephanie