How to Navigate Persecution from Believers

How to Navigate Persecution from Believers

Following Christ will come with some persecution. I share this because I do not want anyone to turn away from walking with the Lord due to persecution. Christ even warned us in his word that those who follow him will have to bear their cross.

We know the cross is symbolic of Christ’s suffering, which can be viewed as a form of persecution. However, Christ’s suffering was not without a purpose. God promises to use all things including persecution to work together for our good. Not only does it work together for our good but for the good of the kingdom of God.

See below encouraging verses on persecution:

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” – 1 Peter 3:14

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12

Then Jesus said unto His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. – Matthew 16:24

The book of Acts is an amazing book to read when in the process of being persecuted. It helps us to see the bigger picture in persecution and gives us truth to combat the lies Satan speaks to us while in persecution.

In the book of Acts, we see the disciples being put into jail and rejoicing that they get to suffer for such a great cause—the kingdom of God.

So, they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. – Acts 5:41

Here, Peter had just escaped prison with others of the disciples. They were beaten publicly as a shameful disgrace but that isn’t how they saw it. I’d asked God, “How did they get to the point of rejoicing under the pressure of their persecution and immediately, I thought of Hebrews 12.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

When others try to force shame on you—do like Jesus and don’t pay much attention to it. You aren’t in a shameful position. You’re in a position where you should have hope of Joy—like Jesus. People sometimes persecute others because of their lack of understanding. Not because they are evil people.

Persecution from Other Believers is Hurtful

Much of the persecution we experience that will be hurtful will come from other believers. We have to rely on the Lord for grace and strength to not deal with them according to our flesh but with understanding hearts. Often, God will use our continued obedience within the persecution as an example to those who do not know better.

Even Jesus said, “Father forgive them because they do not know what they do.” Stephen, one of Jesus’ disciples who was stoned for the sake of the gospel said the same thing looking into heaven before he gave up his last breath. Jesus and Stephen had an understanding of their persecutors. They understood they were ignorant of what they were being required to walk through by God. Having an understanding of our persecutors helps us to practice patience with them.

Practicing patience with our detractors becomes our honor:

A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. – Proverbs 19:11 (CSB)

Finally, it takes humility to know or understand more than someone who has decided to persecute you and still not seek revenge or harm against our persecutors. In short, enduring persecution is another opportunity for us to practice humility.

God use Persecution for Our Good and to Spread the Gospel

Remember God always uses persecution and all things to work together for our good and the good of the kingdom. This is seen in Acts 10 and 11 just after Stephen is stoned. He submits himself to God praying for his assailants. Next, the church is shocked by this gruesome death for the gospel’s sake. It just got real! Thus, we see the church scattered in Acts 11. This, although difficult, aided in causing the gospel to spread quickly into other regions. Where God’s people scattered—the gospel followed and more and more people were saved.

“The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord – Acts 11:21

God was with them in persecution and he will be with us. There’s another story where God tells Paul not to be afraid to continue preaching the gospel. The apostles were living in real-time persecution that produced real fear. Just like with us. Sometimes the persecution can get so heavy—we live facing real fears.

However, God is faithful to walk through every fear with us and to empower us to go on—in his name. Just like he did with Daniel and his friends in the fiery furnace—he’ll do with us. This isn’t new. It’s all a part of the process.

Some key things to remember regarding persecution:

See below notes… Also, add scripture in Acts with Paul being warned by God not to be afraid to continue to preach the gospel.