What Does Persecution Really Mean?

Persecution involves the deliberate and systematic mistreatment and oppression of individuals or communities, particularly based on their identity or religious affiliations. This happens more when a particular set of beliefs goes against the norm of society. A person or group who takes a position that goes against the direction of the majority – and sometimes the minority –opens themselves up to the threat of persecution.

Over the years, persecution has been something that has happened to the church and it has also been inflicted by the church.

Persecution vs. Punishment

It is important to note for Christians, persecution is suffering for doing what is right. You are trying to live right and do what God has called you to do, but if you suffer for that, then you are experiencing persecution.

If you do evil things, break the law, or mistreat people and suffer for that, you cannot claim you are being persecuted. What you are experiencing is punishment for your own behavior. Sometimes people who are crying persecution are simply reaping the actions they have sown in their own lives.

What Persecution Looked Like in the First Century

In the first century church, Christians faced opposition which led to persecution. This opposition came from the religious groups of the day, as well as the government. The new message of the gospel was threatening their way of life, and because of that, the result was persecution. The thought was since we don’t like the message, if we silence the messengers, then maybe we can kill the message.

Thankfully, in relationship to the gospel, that did not happen. In fact, the persecuted church became even bolder in their witness and the message of the gospel spread. What we see in this is the heart of what persecution is all about. Let’s figure out a way to silence those we don’t agree with – especially those who are trying to change our way of life.

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If you look at the culture in America today, the threat of persecution still exists. We use terms like “cancel culture” or we tap into social media as a modern form of persecution, with the goal of silencing those we don’t agree with. What we must come to grips with is if we are going to stand on the truth and principles of God’s word, then there will be those in our society who will not like that. The reason is the principles of God’s word go against many of the norms people are accepting in our society. To speak out against these things may lead to backlash or labels being thrown at you.

This form of persecution may not threaten your life, but it could threaten your livelihood. However, we should not be surprised that the world does not agree with God’s word. Remember these words from Scripture:

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:18-20).

“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 5:11-12).

While we often think of persecution as a negative thing – and mostly it is – those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake are blessed. They may not look blessed in this life, but there is a reward waiting for those who persevere under the trial of persecution.

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While in America, persecution for being a Christian may not cost you your life, that is not true in other countries around the world. In many countries, to follow Jesus is not only an eternal decision, it is a life and death decision. The life of you and your family may be at stake – not just by taking away your livelihood, but by literally taking away your life.

This is the most aggressive form of persecution, and if we were to compare it to what we experience here in America, we don’t have as much to complain about. We still have the right to gather and freely worship. There is still freedom of speech, even though some may not like what you have to say and it can come with consequences. While this can lead to persecution, it is not to the level others experience around the world.

Can the Persecuted Become the Persecutor?

One thing we must be careful of is understanding what religious freedom is. Many people view religious freedom as the right for Christians to practice their religion freely. The thinking is since America is a “Christian nation,” then the principles of Christianity should also be allowed in the public square.

Take prayer in schools for example. I like the idea of prayer in schools, but if we are going to interpret the constitution correctly, the right to practice religion freely is not the sole right of Christians. Every religion can do this, as long as they do it peacefully and within the bounds of the law. What I am about to say may not sit well with some people, but if we are going to fight for prayer in schools, then that right cannot be limited to just Christian prayers. According to the constitution, we should extend that right to all religious groups. When we don’t fight for their right, but seek to oppress it, then the persecuted can become the persecutor.

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If Christians are being persecuted, then how do we handle it? I think we can learn a lot from the first century church. 

Pray

When faced with persecution and the warnings to stop preaching the gospel, the church in the book of Acts responded with prayer. They joined together as one body and prayed. However, they didn’t ask God to strike down their enemies as some Christian groups are doing now. They prayed for God to give them more boldness so they could continue sharing the good news about Jesus. They put priority on the mission over winning in the moment.

Proclaim

The second thing they did was they kept proclaiming the message of the gospel. It is important to remember the church is called to be salt and light. Salt preserves the way and light points the way. Ultimately, our mission is to point people to Christ as God has given us the message of reconciliation. We must be careful that we don’t get caught up in short-term thinking and forget the reason we are here.

Peace

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Our desire as believers should be to live peacefully in the land. This may not always be possible because, as we proclaim the message of the gospel, some will take offense to it. However, that does not mean you become an offense along with it. When we become the offense, we can easily make the mistake of thinking we are being persecuted when what is really happening is we are being punished for our own bad behavior.

Let’s make sure that if we are being persecuted, it’s for the sake of the gospel, for living a holy and godly life, and for nothing else. 

Don’t Give Up

Persecution has different layers to it. As our world becomes increasingly more ungodly, chances are persecution will rise as well. This means that we need to increase our commitment to prayer and the proclamation of God's word. Everyone won’t like it, but since Jesus is the hope for this world, this is a message we simply cannot afford to stop preaching. Even if the persecution comes.

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