Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing? Have you ever suffered because of your faith? Jesus addresses those who suffer or are persecuted for their faith in the Gospel.
Most of us do not really know what it means to be persecuted for our faith. At times we find ourselves in situations where people might be hostile towards us or disparaging about our faith in Jesus. Yet, some Christ-followers are persecuted, and their very lives are at risk. One might only think of the plight of Christians in a place like Iraq – many of whom have been killed for their faith in Jesus. History is littered with
faithful women and men who have lost their own lives on account of their faith because they tried to do what is right against the odds. We are invited to draw strength from their witness.
Jesus, in his own life, knew the pain of persecution. He suffered for doing what was right. Jesus is a companion to all those who are persecuted and suffer for standing up to what is wrong and unjust. Notice that Jesus was not victorious because he avoided what was wrong. He was victorious because he confronted and overcame what was wrong. His death may have seemed like a defeat. But, it was not. It was victorious because Jesus
overcame hate by love, evil by good.
The persecuted and lost lives of our contemporaries who, because of their faith, have stood up for what is right remind us of the victory of Jesus. We ought not forget that many people in our world are still persecuted and die because of their unwavering faith in Jesus. They are the elect whom God will gather, Jesus tells us, when he comes again. As we remember them today, we should also draw strength from their courage and be
inspired by their faithfulness.
Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing based on your belief in Jesus? Recall that moment and notice how you felt at the time and how you felt once that moment had passed. Give thanks to God for your faithfulness at that moment. Say a prayer today for all those who suffer at this time because of their desire to be faithful to Christ.
