The Good Side Of Persecution

The Good Side of Persecution

You will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.

Matthew 24:9

Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.” Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you.

John 15:20

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12

Has anyone ever made fun of you because you are a Christian? Have you ever been excluded from an event, mocked for your beliefs, ridiculed for your obedience to Jesus? If so, then you’ve had a small taste of persecution. And Jesus said that you should be congratulated for it. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers,” Jesus said. “Be happy about it! Be very glad!” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Why should you be happy if you are persecuted because of your connection to Jesus? For one thing, it means that your faith is so real and relevant, people can see it in you and it makes them uncomfortable! Jesus said that there is such a tension between living for him and following the ways of the world that this tension is bound to show up in the form of persecution. When you are persecuted, you can enjoy a new kind of connection with Jesus and with all of those who have been banished, beheaded, belittled, or burned at the stake because of their faith.

We know that people in other parts of the world experience far greater persecution than we do. But we can actually be glad rather than resentful or offended when we suffer for the cause of Christ. Sooner or later all Christians will be mistreated for the things they believe or the life they live. It’s not something to dread—but something to celebrate.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

How was Christ treated by people? How about his disciples?

What’s the difference between being mistreated and being mistreated because of Christ?

What are your fears regarding persecution?