{Matthew 5:11} "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all [forms of] evil against you falsely, for my sake.
{Matthew 5:12} Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -- RLIV.
There is much persecution in the world today, but Jesus is not speaking of the world, but rather he is speaking to his disciples. Becoming an active Christian brings a special kind of persecution for the sake of Christ and the cause of Christ. Those who truly belong to Christ are indeed considered by the world to be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9), as being fanatical, extremists, too conscientious and not conforming to things generally accepted socially. People will think the truly dedicated follower of Christ to be odd. (1 Peter 4:4) Indeed, if one takes consecration seriously so as to not be a Christian in name only, that one will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Such may result in shunning, gossip, and often attempts to misrepresent the Christian's character. In some cases, persecution can bring physical torture and even death. Many Christians fall short in this area and succumb to the influence of the world, thus compromising their consecration to God and Jesus. In this regard, it takes fortitude based on strong faith and love to continue without allowing any kind of persecution to lower Bible standards. -- Romans 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Peter 1:5-7.
On the other hand, the Christian is called to be gentle and kind to all, including those of the world, and not seek to pay any evil treatment received with a similar evil. (Matthew 5:39,44; Luke 6:27-29; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:9) The child of God needs to be careful not to spread rumors and misrepresentations of those of the world who are promoting various forms of sin, and definitely not to turn to carnal anger or physical violence towards them. Additionally, while we should defend the truth from the scriptures, we who belong to Christ should not get involved in persecuting others because of their beliefs, even if their beliefs and actions are in some way designed to promote sin. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.
Related (We do not necessarily agree with all details presented by others)
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| Roman Persecution of Christians |
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