Responding to Persecution

While we realize that much of the suffering we endure comes from sickness, accidents, loss, and death, we would be wise to examine other forms that result from what the Bible calls persecution.

Matthew 5:11, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake."

It is not within our carnal nature to respond correctly when we are reviled, mocked, harrassed, or slandered. Our first response may very well be to shout back, to defend ourselves, or even to take revenge. That is why it is vital that we know the instructions of God's Word, and in the following instances, the Lord teaches us from the example of the life of Jesus.

Hebrews 5:8, "Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered."

1 Peter 2:20b-21, "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps."

The twelve disciples all experienced great persecution, and yet Peter exhorts us in his epistle how to respond with a blessing when persecution comes, and then refers to Psalm 34.

I Peter 3:8-12, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling or reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For 'He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous; and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Neither was it in the carnal nature of Peter to respond to persecution in a Godly manner, and yet "he learned obedience by the things he suffered" and he developed the qualities of compassion, love, and courtesy along the way.

We are learning that it is indeed necessary for us to experience suffering. Our author tells us that suffering is a pathway to sanctification, a doorway into greater intimacy with God.

May we embrace this Truth, and may we obtain mercy and grace from our Heavenly Father as we meditate on its significance.

Love, Karen