James instructs us to “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
Why do we face trials and persecution? It’s unbelievable when you consider why the world seeks to give us such a hard time. What are the main reasons for war being declared on us?
We represent Christ to the world. Among immorality, we continually hunger and thirst for righteousness; and in this war, we pursue peace and grant mercy. When persecution comes, we cannot shrink back from it into self-preservation. We must commit to love, forgive, and to shine brightly as we imitate our Savior.
TO THINK ABOUT:
1. Why is it important to understand our normal reactions to persecution?
2. How can we turn persecution into something positive even as we wait for God’s
blessings to come? (Read James 1:2-4)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
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