Persecution

These days, Christians are being persecuted relentlessly. Our faith is challenged daily as we are told of the horrific beheadings of fellow believers in Nigeria. In other countries, such as China, bible study is now considered a crime. Even in the US, a country with a proud heritage of religious freedom, Christianity is beginning to be viewed as a threat. Some groups claim that Christianity is a “fringe” group marked by hatred of non-Christians. This is particularly ironic, given that Christianity is a religion marked by love. In fact, we are told to love even our enemies. In an act of pure blasphemy, a streaming service portrayed Christ as a homosexual. The mockery of Christ is now blatantly accepted by most of the media, and to an astonishing degree, the population at large.

In Christ’s day, his apostles were constantly persecuted and subject to horrifying imprisonments and death by stoning. Recognizing their apprehension, Jesus Christ comforted his apostles with these words:

Matthew 5:10 KJV

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Let this promise of a future reconciliation with Christ in heaven create in us hope and comfort in the face of unjust affliction.