Question 1

Why do I sometimes experience opposition or persecution?

Accepted Answer

2 Timothy 3:12Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.We may experience persecution because living a godly life brings us into conflict with the evil in the world.Matthew 24:9“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”Devotion to Jesus brings opposition and persecution from those who do not want to believe the Good News.1 Peter 4:15If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.We must be careful to live above reproach so that we may not be accused of things that unbelievers do. If we are to suffer, we should suffer for the sake of Christ, not for our own willing disobedience.

Question 2

How should I respond to opposition or persecution?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 7:1I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!When we experience opposition or persecution for our faith, our first response should be to draw near to God and ask for his help.Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.We should not be surprised when facing opposition for following Jesus. He was “slaughtered,” so we, like him, might be called to endure persecution without fighting back.Matthew 5:44“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”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 grant you his blessing.God expects us to respond to persecution for his sake by loving, blessing, and praying for those who oppose us.Matthew 10:23“When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next.”Sometimes we might have to flee from persecution.1 Peter 4:19So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.No matter how much opposition or persecution we experience, we must continue doing what is right and trusting in God to take care of us.

Opposition