Brad Alles

With a culture that becomes more intolerant of faith in the public square, Christians need to be ready for persecution.  Although relatively unfamiliar in the United States, suffering for the faith is common for believers.  However, with this suffering comes unexpected benefits.  Another one is the opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Persecution can lead to witnessing one’s faith to the persecutor.  Instead of returning hate for hate, Christians can turn the other cheek and thus reflect a Christ-like character.  Peter states what Jesus’ attitude was in regard to his persecutors.  Peter writes, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).

In a similar way, Christians can love and pray for their persecutors.  Jesus commanded this in Matthew 5:44.  He said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

For an example of people doing this, read the incredible story of Richard Wurmbrand in his book, Tortured for Christ.  Wurmbrand details the horrors of his treatment at the hands of his Communist captors in Romania and how he was able to share Christ by the Holy Spirit’s power.