A few years back, my husband lost a family member who he hadn’t seen in quite some time. He was struggling with his sobriety and this person’s death was the catalyst for his relapse. And, I began to be persecuted. I was being persecuted because I was determined to maintain my sobriety for God.

The day that we learned of the family member’s death we rushed over to the deceased’s home to support the family. Being a recovering addict myself, I knew that this was going to be a tough situation. I was concerned that it would end up a rowdy party before the night was over.

I still attempted to be a light in this dark, dark place. The women of the family all congregated in one room. Most of these women were my age. So I attempted to open up some dialogue. I was incredibly unsuccessful and rejected. Because of my own personal lack of self esteem I began to ask, “did I say something?”. “Did I do something?” “What did I do wrong?”. But it wasn’t what I said or did. But again, I was being persecuted.

I didn’t drink with them. Although I would have before. I didn’t use with them. Although I would have before. And this was not a welcomed change. My presence and conviction to maintain my sobriety was offensive to them. They were rejecting me because of their own guilt. I was being persecuted because of their conviction. “The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. Proverbs 29:10.

But here’s the thing. As they continued to persecute me, I continued to ask “what did I do wrong?”. The problem wasn’t WHAT I did. It was what I DIDN’T do.

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21

I still believed that seeds for the gospel were being planted, no matter how hopeless as this situation seemed or how much I was persecuted).

“He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹ As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”” Mark 4:26-34

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11

And, when people feel convicted, they will persecute us. They will distort the truth and disparage our character. They do this to make themselves appear better, smarter or just to distract others from focusing on what they are doing. Even as Christians, we can struggle with this.

“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” Proverbs 14:5.

We are going to be persecuted. The scripture warns us that we will be. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:12.

But Jesus promised that we would be blessed because of it. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10.

He also told us how to behave toward those who persecute us. “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44.

And He is the perfect example of that. Because He was persecuted more severely than we ever will be. And He prayed for those who persecuted Him. “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” Luke 23:34.

So remember this the next time you are persecuted. Despite the fact that Jesus wasn’t a liar, few believed His innocence on the day of His crucifixion. Even though He was never one to judge, others mocked Him relentlessly. They beat Him, treated Him as a criminal, and pierced His side. Yet, He still died so that they could be forgiven.

Scripture warns us about persecution.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

We might even ask God, “Why am I in this situation? What did I do wrong?”. The apostle Paul summed it up best “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:10. Because then we are closer to God and we are moving in His strength not our own.

So, instead of asking, “What did I do wrong”, we need to recognize that, when worldly people pull away from us, it is because they SEE Christ in us. It is selfish for us to avoid them because they don’t like us. We need to keep loving on them. Show them forgiveness. Overwhelm them with our kindness. It may cause them ask themselves,  “What did I do wrong?” And, once that door opens, we need to share the story of God’s love and Jesus’s sacrifice with them. Share how He has forgiven us. The eternal fate of their souls depends on it.

So, will you be brave and show God’s love to those who persecute you? Or will you avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable? The choice is yours. Just remember that, someday, you will stand before God for the decisions that you make during this life. So, choose wisely. Choose God’s way. Choose to pray for those who persecute you. And, desire that all would come to a place of being forgiven by the Father. Because that is what Jesus did for each of us.

Heavenly Father,  forgive us for taking  your sacrifice for granted. Forgive us when we forget the magnitude of all you gave up for us and those who persecute us. We praise you that you have given us your word to guide us and the ways that are pleasing to you. I can’t imagine where humanity would be if it weren’t for you. Help us to remember that out persecutors don’t know you. Work through us to show them your love and forgiveness so that they may be with us in heaven.

Jesus, forgive us for not sharing your sacrifice with everyone we meet. Forgive us when we do not practice your teachings — love — for our fellow man. We praise you for your willingness to die such a horrible death just so that we could be with you, as sinful as we are.

Holy Spirit, strengthen our hearts in the face of persecution. Make our hearts impenetrable to their hurtful words. Don’t let their lies poison our minds. Help us and guide us through times of trouble. In Jesus’s precious name we pray, Amen.

Perhaps you are one of those people who persecuted Christians. I know I was. Most Christians were once persecutor’s of Christians. Even the Apostle Paul was a persecutor of Christians. But, Praise God for forgiveness.

If that was you, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). You will find a prayer outlined on this page. Please pray this prayer. God wants to forgive you. He wants to build an intimate and loving relationship with you. He wants to call you His own son or daughter. Please pray this prayer and once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you.

Luv Ya!