“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:10-12, NKJV

According to a 2021 report, one in seven Christians in the world – almost 350 million – live under high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith.

The report asserts that Christianity is still the most persecuted religion in the world.

Even in the free world where everyone is free to worship as they wish, many Christians actively suffer discrimination and persecution from their family or community for standing for the truth of the Bible. 

I mean even making your stand as a devoted Christian who refuses to do certain things can arouse serious persecution at the workplace.

The Hebrew word for ‘persecute’ is a military term that means to pursue after an enemy with the intention of wearing him out and defeating him.

So, there is a strong connection between hate and persecution.

Satan persecutes Christians because he hates Christ and wants to discourage and defeat those who love Him.

Indeed, persecution’s main intention is to wear Christians down so as to make them lose their enthusiasm for Christ.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.

PHILIPPIANS 1:29

In our meditation today, we reflect on what the Christian’s attitude to persecution should be.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake,” Jesus said.

We all know that our Lord Jesus suffered persecution as soon as He started the ministry of telling people the truth.

That’s why you should also expect it.

“A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)

As the case of the Uganda Martyrs clearly showed over 100 years ago, identifying with Jesus often means risking the rejection and denunciation of family and the powerful, and in some cases martyrdom.

Instead of complaining or feeling sorry for themselves, the Early Church disciples rejoiced that they were counted worthy by God to endure persecution for His sake.

Unlike today’s contemporary Church, which detests suffering, one thing that the Early Christians knew was that something else was more important than preserving their rights and lives. 

They believed and taught that suffering for Christ was a divine blessing – a great opportunity for the believers.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” (Philippians 1:29, NIV)

Indeed, the intense persecution of the early Church was a great blessing as it became the means by which the Church spread the Good News of the Gospel throughout the world.

For example, some of the greatest revelations in the Bible came when God’s servants were in prison or while enduring terrible persecution.

The Kingdom of God benefits greatly when we patiently endure suffering for Christ.  That’s why persecution is a blessing in disguise.

Prayer:                       

Almighty God, thank you for the opportunity to suffer for your sake. Help me not to be intimidated or ashamed but to be patient as I endure suffering for Your Name’s sake, for the glory of Your Name, Amen!