Word to Consider.....Persecution

Persecution: to constantly annoy or bother (someone) treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs, to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically :  to cause to suffer because of belief

I was recently asked what is persecution. The person asking was referring to someone (identified as a Christian) in which the media was reporting on with a slanted view in their opinion.  Their question made me consider, what truly is persecution for a believer and what is our response?

In the bible Jesus tells us that we are blessed when men revile us, persecute us and say all manner of evil against us falsely for His name sake. The words I want you to focus on are, falsely and for His name sake. As believers we learn that persecution is about Jesus not us.  The accusation/behavior toward us is false, meaning it is not warranted, it is not true, it is not justified.  I must state that the truth I am referring to is not based upon perception, it’s based upon fact. (evidence)

Jesus also tells us very important information about the persecution of His people. He tells us that it from the  synagogues, i.e. churches, not the world. He also tells us that it is from men, not the devil. He reminds us that we are not greater than He is and as His servants we will suffer the same as He did. Remember He came to His own people and was rejected and crucified. Yet, He was harmless (He harmed no one) in word or deed.

Interestingly enough this is forgotten doctrine. Jesus tell us to love our enemies, to bless them that curse us, to do good to them that hate us, to pray for them which despitefully use us and persecute us. He tells us to flee not fight. He tells us in doing these things we will glorify Him.

This is behavior of the true church, the body of Christ!