Persecution
Have you been ostracised, victimised, suffered horror, terror, war or perhaps even genocide? Have you been bullied or otherwise harassed? Are you a refugee? Are you being persecuted by your fellow man? Have you been put into slavery or bondage? Perhaps you were unjustly incarcerated or tortured or abused? You have enemies and you are not sure how to respond to them?
The Bible says the following:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14 [New King James Version]
“17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
20 ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord. Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12: 17-21 [New Living Translation]
Difficult as it is not to wish to take revenge on those who persecute us and those who do evil, God commands us to love one another:
“9 The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.
10 Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.” Romans 13:9-10 [Amplified Bible]
Jesus said:
“27 ‘But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 ‘bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you,
29 ‘To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.
30 ‘Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
31 ‘And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise…
35 ‘But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
36 ‘Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.’ ” Luke 6:27-31, 35-36 [New King James Version]
Note that verse 29 of this Scripture does not mean we must tolerate physical abuse. When interpreted properly in the cultural context of the time in which it was written, it simply means we must be willing to bear insults without retaliating.
Trust in the Lord:
“7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
10 Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone.
11 The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity.” Psalm 37:7-11 [New Living Translation]
Remember to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 [New Living Translation]
Accept Jesus Christ into your life and you too can learn to live in God’s peace with those who trouble or persecute you.
If you would like to receive the gift of salvation that God has for you today, make a decision in your own heart that you want to be forgiven of your sins and that you wish to turn your back on a sinful life. Believe in the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ [Mark 1:15]. The Bible says if you confess with your mouth (i.e. actually say it) that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead, you will receive salvation [Romans 10:9-10]. Salvation is open to any human being who calls upon the name of the Lord [Romans 10:12-13].
If you want to get saved right now:
First silently read the text in the paragraph below and make sure you understand it. It is a confession prayer you can use to get born again this very moment.
If in your heart you agree with the content of the statement below then, read it again, but this time say it with your mouth out loud as you read it:
“Father, I thank You that you sent Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to take my sins and my punishment. Lord Jesus, I believe that You died for me and that God raised You from the dead. Today I confess that You are my Lord and my Saviour. Father, forgive me of all of my sins. Thank You Father that today, by Your grace, I am born again, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Did you say the above prayer sincerely to receive Jesus Christ into your life? If so, please click on “yes” below to get guidance on what to do next.