Persecution

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19 (NIV)


So much animosity and hatefulness has been plaguing Christianity lately. It seems to me that it is most popular to disagree and ultimately hate the Truth and the Christians who proclaim it. But the Bible says that Believers will be persecuted for their faith. This should not be a surprise to anyone, but should be expected. Paul writes in 2 Timothy "in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have know the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (12-15). Christians are God's elect, and should live under the knowledge that we were chosen for His pleasure and will before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 1:4-6, Revelation 17:8). Jesus said, "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last" (John 15:16).

So do not be afraid to be persecuted for Christ. James writes "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (1:2-3). Notice it does not say "if" but it says "whenever." This means that trials are not an option, but will come to those of us that love the Lord. Tests to our faith will only make us stronger and more able to defend our belief in Christ and assure our place in heaven. May we remember that all of the people of the world are God's children, whether they choose to acknowledge Him or not. Romans 12 says "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (12-14). And perhaps my favorite verse on persecution, Proverbs 25:21-22. "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." If you do not give your persecutors any fuel for their fires of anger and hatred, it will be frustrating and difficult for them to continue in their animosity. You will be living according to God's Holy Word, and the Lord will bless your efforts.