What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?

 
Thought For Today - April 6, 2025
What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?

By: Robert A. Searles

Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel. Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and suffering.
The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.
We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly, the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps to martyrdom and death.
Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.
If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven.
We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties for his name's sake.

What did Jesus say? - How should we react to persecution?

No one can out give God.
Jesus said: :Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5: 11,12.
If, for the cause of Christ we make ourselves vulnerable to be reviled, ridiculed, spit upon, abused, neglected, and abandoned by even our own familiar family and friends - even if we suffer physical pain and death, even as the martyrs of old have done, we should count it all joy because God has great rewards for all those who endure such things.
If we must face persecution for Christ, we should never be ashamed of him, for we will be more than conquerors with him in the end. Consider the suffering and persecution that he suffered for our salvation, and see how God has rewarded him for his obedience by giving him a name above every name to whom every knee shall eventually bow.
When we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we are in good company with all the prophets which went before us.

See More:

telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogsot.com

booksjewelrygifts.com

Telehelp Publications Christia n Literaure Ministry

                                 Psalm 26: 7