Jesus never hid the truth from His disciples. He told them directly what they could expect if they chose to follow Him. In John 15:18–19 (ESV), He said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Those words echo through history and land squarely on us today as we watch the news and see people losing their lives because of their race, their politics, or their faith. For Christians, this reality reminds us that persecution is not an accident but the expected work of the prince of this world who opposes Christ.
Jesus says Christians will be hated because of His name, and Scripture tells us this hatred will only increase as the world moves closer to His return. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, “While evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” Knowing this shapes how we live each day. Instead of fear, we are called to faith. Instead of despair, we hold fast to hope. In the middle of chaos, we are to be calm and steady, ready to answer for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
Stand Firm in Your Identity in Christ
The world will always push back against the light of Christ. That means rejection will come, but rejection does not define you. Your identity is not in how others see you—it’s in Jesus. When insults or mockery come, remember who you belong to. Build your daily habits around Scripture and prayer, and let God’s Word be the anchor for your heart.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:3, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This truth grounds us in a world that wants to shake our faith. Stay rooted in Scripture daily, and let your identity in Christ remain firm.
Live with Courage, Not Compromise
The temptation to soften the truth or stay quiet can be strong, especially in a culture that celebrates sin and silences conviction. But Jesus calls us to live courageously. Small daily choices—speaking truth in love, refusing dishonesty, and living with integrity—prepare us for greater trials.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:22, “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Courage doesn’t mean seeking conflict; it means standing unshaken when conflict comes because of Christ’s name. The world will hate what it does not understand, but Christians must be ready to give an answer, not with anger, but with peace and confidence in God’s kingdom.
Pray for Those Who Persecute You
This may be the hardest command Jesus gave: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Hatred breeds bitterness, but prayer breeds compassion. When we pray for those who mock, exclude, or oppose us, we take on the heart of Jesus.
Paul encourages us in Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Daily prayer shifts our focus away from personal hurt and toward eternal hope—for both us and for those who still need salvation. This is how we keep from becoming hardened by the violence and hostility in the world.
Support the Persecuted Church
When we see brothers and sisters overseas losing homes, jobs, freedom, and even their lives for Christ, we cannot stand by. The body of Christ is one body, and if one part suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). We can support the persecuted church through faithful prayer, financial support to trusted ministries, and spreading awareness.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us in Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” In recent years, believers in Nigeria have faced violent attacks from extremist groups. Churches have been burned and pastors martyred, yet many Christians there continue to gather and worship openly. In China, unregistered churches are being raided, and leaders are imprisoned for preaching the gospel. In parts of the Middle East, new believers from Muslim backgrounds risk losing their families, jobs, or even their lives, but they remain steadfast in their witness for Christ. Their faith under fire is both a challenge and an encouragement to us who still enjoy freedom, reminding us that persecution is expected and part of sharing in Christ’s suffering.
Response to News of Martyrs
When news breaks of a recent martyr—someone killed for refusing to deny Jesus—we are reminded that this reality is not far from us. Their death is not meaningless; it is a testimony that Christ is worth more than life itself. Like Stephen in Acts 7, their boldness lives on as a witness to the truth. Our response should be fourfold:
- Mourn with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We grieve, but not as those without hope.
- Let it stir boldness (Philippians 1:14). Seeing others stand firm should encourage us to speak more courageously.
- Pray for endurance (Hebrews 12:1–2). Ask God to strengthen both persecuted believers and ourselves to run the race with endurance.
- Be ready to answer (1 Peter 3:15). When people ask how Christians remain calm in the face of madness, we point to the peace of Christ.
Keep Your Eyes on Eternity
Every act of hatred against believers is a reminder that this world is not our home. The devil, the prince of this world, stirs up division and violence, but his power is temporary. Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Jesus also said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Fix your eyes on the kingdom of God, not the approval of man. When eternity is your focus, temporary trials—even painful ones—lose their power to shake you.
Living Ready for Christ’s Return
Persecution strips away lukewarm faith. It forces us to decide if we are willing to live and die for Christ. Each day we choose faithfulness over fear, courage over compromise, and prayer over bitterness, we declare that Jesus is worth everything.
Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 4:14, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” The hatred of the world will not outlast the glory of His kingdom. And when He returns, those who endured to the end will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Until then, our challenge is to stand calm and unafraid in the madness, pointing people to the peace and hope that only Jesus can give.
A Prayer Guide for the Persecuted and the Faithful
As you reflect on these truths, here are some ways you can pray:
- Pray for the persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). Ask God to strengthen and comfort those imprisoned or suffering for Christ.
- Pray for boldness (Acts 4:29). Request courage for Christians everywhere to speak the truth in love without fear.
- Pray for endurance (James 1:12). Seek God’s help for believers to remain steadfast under trial, trusting in His reward.
- Pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44). Intercede for those who oppose Christ, that their hearts may be softened and their eyes opened to the gospel.
- Pray for readiness (1 Peter 3:15). Ask for wisdom to give a calm, faithful answer when the world questions our hope.
Spread the Gospel; lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
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