Persecution is grievous and painful. Persecution comes from those who do not love righteousness. In fact, the persecutors hate righteousness. They walk in darkness. 1 John 2:11 (NKJV), “But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
What should a Christian’s attitude be when persecuted?
- Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV), “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” When we are persecuted, it is an evidence that we are living to honor God and His righteous principles. Then take comfort knowing that God will reward you in heaven for your righteous obedience to His will.
- Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV), “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” It is very hard to love (agapé) people who are hurting you. This love is not a tender, sweet love. Agapé love is a decision to do good to someone no matter what this person does.
- Romans 12:14, 17 (NKJV), 14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. … 17 Repay no one evil for evil…” Christians are not to seek vengeance. We are to submit to the persecution and run to God for comfort, wisdom, and strength. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
We always remember to “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)