Just as Jesus was persecuted when He came to save us from our sins, we will also experience persecution because of our faith in Him. As Christians, we should not be surprised if the world hates us because even our Lord Jesus was hated. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 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. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:18-20).
One of the reasons the world hates us is because the world loves sins. Jesus came to expose the sins of the world so that the world would realize that they needed a Savior. However, instead of believing and embracing our Lord Jesus, they persecuted and killed Him. In our society today, if we stand for our belief in our Lord Jesus, we will face opposition because Satan has blinded the unbelievers' eyes so that they will not see the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). I have a friend who was put in prison and beaten because of his faith in the Lord Jesus. They tried to force him to deny his faith, but he didn't give up. He was eventually released from prison, but they warned him not to share his faith with anyone.
Let us not be afraid or discouraged if we are persecuted because of our faith in the Lord because Jesus said, "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 5:12). There is a reward that awaits us when we stand for our Lord Jesus. Let us remind ourselves that even our Lord Jesus was persecuted, so He understands what we are going through. There will be a time when He will judge those who are against Him, but in the meantime, we need to pray for those who are persecuting us that they may know the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:44).
Ask yourself these questions: Why did they persecute Jesus? What should I do when I am being persecuted because of my faith in the Lord Jesus?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I pray for those who persecute your church that their eyes would be opened up that they may understand your truth. Please help me not to walk in fear but to persevere when I am being insulted because of my faith. Please help me to be strong in my faith in you. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.