MATTHEW 10:32-38
Some of us have little knowledge of persecution. Our physical well-being has never been threatened as a result of what we believe or say. We only “know” a little about the issue because of what we hear and read. For many of our brothers and sisters around the world, this is not the case. Every day, some of them face danger simply because they love Jesus and want others to know Him as well.
Another form of persecution exists that may not be life-threatening, but is devastating nonetheless. It is the persecution from those who are close to us. We feel rejected and unloved when loved ones mock our faith and mock us for what we believe and how we demonstrate our love for God.
Paul warned believers that following Jesus would lead to persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), and rejection from those we love is inevitable (Matt. 10:34-36). When people we care about reject the God we believe in, it feels personal.
Jesus asked us to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Even when it comes from individuals we love, God can give us the grace to persevere in the face of adversity.
People may mock our message but they cannot stop our prayers.
🙏🏼Lord, grant us the grace to pray for people who wish to harm us rather than seek our good, and teach us how to love them in ways that will be understood.
