“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10, NRSV).
At a recent youth ministry conference, one of the speakers related a story about her years overseas. Her experiences were startling, as she told us about the treatment of minorities (including women and Christians—a double whammy for her). In essence, she felt the sting of persecution.
She also said that persecution isn’t merely tied to religious or gender issues. In fact, some may feel this judgment in the home, including teenagers who are trying to live faithfully, but who may not have the family and friendship support around them. Being a disciple is not an easy task.
Although most people in our circles may never have experienced persecution of this variety, we certainly can pray for and support those who are feeling the weight of these attitudes. That is why the church, as a body, becomes a person’s family, and why the apostle Paul once wrote: “in Christ there is no longer any Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The sting of persecution is also one reason we continue to pray the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come.” We are inviting God to intervene and change our world, our experiences…in the same manner on earth as it is in heaven. This week, let us be aware of those who suffer, wherever they are, for being followers of Christ.
