This post is intended to be an encouragement and an exhortation to those who are in Christ and who are experiencing hostility from the world in these days.
The title I’ve chosen is from Acts 14:22 , which recounts the activity of the apostles Barnabas and Paul, who found it necessary to minister to the new believers in this way-
“strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Beloved, the scriptures consistently teach that we are to expect hostility of varying degrees from the people of the world. This can range from rejection, verbal abuse, to discrimination, to physical assault and death.
I’m thankful that our Lord Himself gave us lots of encouragement to continue to press on following Him, and not to let these hardships discourage or derail us. In fact they are to be a cause for rejoicing.
”Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5 :13
and
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.”
John 15:18
Many of our brothers and sisters are today in prison, facing physical assaults and death for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Many are not yet in experiencing persecution to that degree, but live with rejection from family and community, daily snide remarks, slanders, insults and the like.
Be encouraged, your Father sees all and is with you. Press in to the Holy Spirit’s comfort and don’t let your heart be troubled.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
1 Peter 4: 12-16