Persecuting, according to Merriam Webster, means to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief. To annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (such as attacks, pleas, or importunities)
Persecution is then to be on the receiving end of the above definition.
There have been many races, groups, and religions that have been persecuted over the ages. Some for centuries and some for briefer periods of time.
I think everyone will acknowledge that Christians in certain areas of our world are currently being persecuted.
Christianity Today, in an article earlier this month stated, Open Doors released today its 2018 World Watch List (WWL), an annual ranking of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to follow Jesus. Approximately 215 million Christians now experience high, very high, or extreme levels of persecution; that means 1 in 12 Christians live where Christianity is “illegal, forbidden, or punished,” according to Open Doors researchers.
First, let us take a moment to let those numbers sink in and to pray for their safety.
I can’t fathom living in constant danger because of my love for Jesus.
At the same time, let’s look once more at the second part of the above definition. To annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (such as attacks, pleas, or importunities).
In the United States, God has been removed from our public schools, public buildings, and court rooms. The bible is seen as irrelevant to many people. High schools have been under attack for pregame prayers. Don’t get me started on the NFL players. Some employers don’t allow the wearing of crosses, but, by law, have to allow other religious items. More and more children’s sporting events are being scheduled on Wednesday nights and Sundays. And the sanctity of marriage is viewed as outdated.
To annoy with persistent or urgent approaches.
Don’t mistake my point. I’m not comparing our plights with people who are having to hide their bibles and meet in secret.
But let’s also not miss the persistent and urgent approaches to systematically remove God and Christianity from our country.
And it’s to be expected. Because it’s been foretold since the beginning of Christianity. We therefore need to remain rooted and steadfast in God’s word and our faith.
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
John 15:18-21
“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. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.
2 Timothy 3:10-14
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers 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,
1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:12-14
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
1 Peter 4:12-16
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
2 Timothy 1:8-9
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
1 Thessalonians 3:2-4
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
1 Peter 3:13-14
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
1 Corinthians 4:12-13
We work hard with our own hands.When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.
I pray that these verses encourage you to remain steadfast. The persecution and brokenness has been around for thousands of years but we know that no matter what, we have ultimate peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless!
Melissa
I had so many thoughts as I read this. First as my husband who was born to missionary parents in Beruit, Lebanon. They had to flee when friends warned them that the authorities were coming for them during the war. They were escorted safely from the country by tanks when my husband was four years old. Then it went to a more recent conversation I had with a loved one who is sick of hearing about Jesus. It’s not persecution per say, but oh does it grieve my heart that this person who was baptized years ago has turned their back on Jesus, and confessed that they never really knew Him. Because knowing facts about Jesus and knowing Jesus are two totally different things.
What an amazing story about your husband. Thank you for sharing! It is incredibly sad how many people are turning away from God. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience and thoughts. God bless!
I definitely have to remind myself that persecution is to be expected in our lives as we follow Jesus. While it’s not pleasant, I hope I would have the attitude of the apostles as they praised God when persecuted. Also, thanks so much for pointing out those numbers of persecuted Christians. I definitely do not pray the way I should for them.
It is easy to not remember the level of persecution around the world when we have our freedoms in this country. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Melissa,
Thanks for sharing those stats. You just don’t realize it living in North America. We need to remember our brothers and sisters around the world more. Thanks for you wake-up-call message. So needed! I was your neighbour at #RaRaLinkup today. Praying for the persecuted church and those of us in North America to grow stronger and stand up for our faith in ways that make Jesus famous, not embarrassed 🙂
Much love,
~Sherry Stahl
xox
It is definitely not a message that is popular in our society. It is easier to keep the blinders on and nonbelievers don’t want Christian persecution to be discussed. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Oh! I pray that God helps us to live by 1 Corinthians 4: 12-13.
“We work hard with our own hands.When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment”
Malissa, your post reveals that you are keeping watch.
Amen! I pray that, too, Sarah! Thank you for your kind words. God bless!
Satan is trying his best to blow out faith from this earth. I continually pray that we all, especially those facing extreme persecution, will stand with courage and express our faith no matter what comes our way.
That is my prayer as well Kristi! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Thank you for sharing this! I think persecution happens in our nation by how politically correct we have to be about saying anything about Jesus. There’s a definite persecution there, albeit not life or death like in other nations.
We do need to step up our praying for Christians in other parts of the world!
Thanks Julie! Yes, the PC culture has run rampant for the sake of tolerance. However tolerance is only required to be enforced for certain topics and groups of people. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and all. But it’s changing hearts and lives in a very negative way. Thank Julie for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Sometimes persecution is subtle. I find that people will occasionally take offense to me just as others inexplicably are drawn to me. A friend recently reminded me that people are drawn or repulsed by the Holy Spirit in us.
That is very true. The Holy Spirit can be unsettling and uncomfortable – because He is urging and nudging to live another way. For nonbelievers, that is threatening. A threatened person tends to avoid or become aggressive (even just in words). Thank you for stopping by Alice and sharing your insights. God bless!
We cannot be ashamed of the Gospel. Romans 1:16. Thank you for bringing attention as a reminder to us all about our brothers and sisters being persecuted for sharing and not being ashamed of God’s word and about who they are. We need to always remember and pray for those who are taking the stand and proclaiming Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thank you for providing such powerful scripture and statistics in your article.
You’re right, Stephanie. We are called to not be ashamed or afraid to proclaim the Gospel. I’m glad you found the post beneficial! Thank you for stopping by and reading. God bless!
Wow! When you see the numbers in front of you the reality sets in that this place is not our home. We are passing through. There is so much suffering in the world, but none can compare to the suffering of Christ. Scripture tells us these are momentarily light afflictions, but they don’t feel like it. However, persecution grows faith because you learn that apart from God you can do nothing. It doesn’t mean we have to like it, and we are to abhor that which is evil, but knowing God has us in his hands makes it easier to get through difficult times.
Absolutely, Sheila! Knowing God has us in His hands makes it easier to get through difficult times. Your health situation is a perfect example of that. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and insights. God bless!
Steadfast is such a strong and beautiful word. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 really struck me. It’s convicting and gives exact answers to our worldly problems. Although, there isn’t a specific outline for each persecution, the overall action is clear. You’re right. We must stand firm in our faith, convictions, commands of God. His command is to bless, endure, and be kind all in the face of evil. This truly shows glory. Our opposing actions bring light to His good and beautiful gift of salvation.
I find those verses to bring hope and comfort in light of everything that is around us. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights! God bless!
Recent stats are astounding, and scripture applied is precious. Thank you for this amazing work!!
The stats are hard to wrap our heads around. 215 million Christians persecuted in our world. Praise God that we know He wins in the end! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!