Dealing With Persecution
When reading what the Bible has
to say about persecution, some Christians
think that it doesn’t apply to them. The truth
is that all followers of Jesus will have that
experience at one time or another. Persecution
simply means to pursue someone in a hostile
manner. It happens when we become the victims
of criticism, gossip, or slander because of
our righteousness. If you live a godly life,
the ungodly people around you will become
irritated and uncomfortable in your presence.
They won’t feel free to tell their dirty jokes
and use profanity around you. You don’t have
to parade your righteousness around—it will be
evident. People will resent it because they
will see qualities in you that they wish were
theirs. The Christ within you will be a rebuke
to their own wickedness.
Unfortunately, it is not
just the wicked that persecute others. After
all, it was the religious leaders who
persecuted the prophet Jeremiah and put him in
prison because he spoke for God. The same
thing happened to Jesus—the religious leaders
were His worst enemies. We see similar things
today. Christians often persecute other
Christians by spreading gossip and false
reports.
All of this is so painful
that we are tempted to complain and find fault
with God for allowing it. But Jesus tells us
not to be dismayed. He prepares us for
persecution by telling us that it is to be
expected. We should not ask why it is coming,
but instead we should ask if there is enough
Christ in us to invite it.
DO YOU ?
Do you ever feel
discouraged and dissatisfied? Do you ever have
feelings of unrest and fear of the future?
Does the thought of death and the hereafter
haunt you?
YOU ARE
Are you
looking for an unconditional love? Someone who
accepts you where you are and loves you no
matter what? Look no further than a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he
cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Never let the enemy tell
you that you re worthless or insignificant.
You have value in the eyes of God so great
that it was worth dying for. You are a
blessing to the world.
Did you know God's
forgiveness and unconditional love is
available for anyone who asks?
If you haven't made the
decision to accept Christ as Lord
(CLICK HERE NOW)
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