03-23-2001

Most of us have not suffered any significant persecution because of our faith. We may have been teased or laughed at or even maligned but for the most part that is all that we have endured. However, in many parts of the world it is not so. Brethren have been jailed, beaten, and their homes taken all because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who were Christians in the first century often had their whole lives disrupted because of their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. If a Christian was a craftsman could he work on a pagan temple? Could a Christian go to a feast concerning which the invitation read, "I invite you to dine with me at the table of Lord Baal." Christians were often disowned by their relatives and families were torn asunder by the torturing and state sanctioned murder of Christians. Christians were accused of being cannibals, arsonists, and immorality. Yet, many endured and the church grew stronger.

If you have endured persecution for righteousness sake, you are fortunate, blessed, and should be happy for it reveals something about you. It means that you are living your faith. What you believe is being manifested in your words and deeds. Thus you should not be surprised when persecutions come for did not our Lord say, "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." (John 3:20). The life of the righteous condemns that of the wicked.

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For Righteousness Sake