How should I respond to persecution?

John 15:18-19“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

2 Thessalonians 1:5-6God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.

To respond correctly to persecution, first we should understand that persecution is part of what comes with being a follower of Jesus and that God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.

Matthew 5:11-12“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. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

1 Peter 1:6-7So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

When persecuted for believing in Jesus, we should rejoice and thank God for the testing and opportunity to glorify him through our troubles.

Matthew 5:43-44“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Luke 6:28“Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

When persecuted, we should pray for those who hurt us, asking God to bless them.

1 Peter 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

When persecuted, we should not respond in kind, verbally or physically.