Christians and Persecution – How should we respond?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Scripture teaches two truths that might seem strange humanly speaking but that should comfort us as believers: believers should expect persecution, but God uses it for our good and His glory. Because of these truths, we have everything we need to have the right attitude even when we are being persecuted. God using persecution for good is seen in the Old and New Testaments. God used Joseph being sold into captivity by his brothers to save Egypt from famine and, consequently, Jacob and his family as well (Genesis 37–-50). The book of Exodus records Jochebed having to give up her baby Moses, but God later used Moses to free the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1—14). In the New Testament, God using persecution for good is epitomized in Jesus’ crucifixion and death for our sins (Matthew 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22—24; John 18—21). In fact, Jesus told His disciples to expect persecution. Many New Testament passages indicate that persecution helps us to grow spiritually (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-3) and prevents development of character flaws that would impact our spiritual health (2 Corinthians 12:7). Perhaps this is why the early apostles rejoiced in their persecution (Acts 5:40-42; Colossians 1:24). Indeed, Christians will endure persecution, but we can maintain our faith in God and see even our persecution as a witness to the truth about who God is to a world that desperately needs Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• As Joseph told his brothers in Egypt, "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" when referring to their selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:20). The world may persecute us for evil ends, but God uses it to produce positive results.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Of those who suffer for His sake, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12).
• As followers of Jesus, we should expect the world to hate us as it hated Him. Jesus told His disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (John 15:18-20).
• In Paul’s second letter to his protege Timothy, he reaffirmed Jesus’ message: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
• James expressed how persecution builds our character: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3).
• Paul was also an example of the right attitude about persecution. He considered it a privilege to "share [Jesus'] sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). We shouldn’t seek persecution, but we should have Paul’s attitude about it when we encounter it.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Picture this: You’re in the thick of after-work traffic, and you see a speeding car weaving in and out to get around the congestion. As you try to merge, that car cuts you off. What’s your reaction? Probably annoyance, maybe even anger. But what if you knew that the driver was on his way to the hospital with a pregnant woman in the passenger seat and the baby on the way? That would change your perspective and your reaction.

Perspective matters, and this is true of Christian persecution as well. No one wants to be persecuted. But if you knew that your suffering had a purpose, if you knew that you could share in just a minute portion of what Jesus experienced, would your perspective about persecution change?

Christians, especially in western cultures, have generally been free from the mistreatment by society. But that could change overnight. Jesus tells us that we will be persecuted. When we are, we should ask ourselves some questions: How might God be using this? What reaction will most glorify God? How can I use this for God’s glory?

Thinking about how we might answer those questions prepares us for the purpose that comes out of oppression.

UNDERSTAND

• Scripture consistently teaches that faithful followers of Jesus should expect persecution.
• God uses persecution for our good and His glory.
• When we endure with faith, joy, and steadfastness, we reflect Christ to the world and glorify God through our trials.

REFLECT

• When have you faced opposition because of your faith, and how did it shape your trust in God?
• How does knowing that persecution can serve a greater purpose change the way you view suffering?
• How can you prepare your heart to respond with faith and grace if persecution comes into your life?

ENGAGE

• What do biblical examples of believers facing difficulty in a godly way teach us about God’s ability to work through suffering?
• What truths can Christians hold onto to support each other in staying faithful and joyful during times of persecution?
• What are some ways our response to persecution can point others to the hope and truth of the gospel?