Persecution, Hardship, Trials, and Hatred
The Bible says we should expect to suffer for Jesus (Philippians 1:29). We suffer for him, just as he suffered for us (Philippians 3:10-11). But through him we can persevere and receive our eternal reward (Romans 8:17-18 and 1 Peter 2:20-21).
But are we suffering for our faith?
Here are a few ways we can expect to suffer for our faith in Jesus, as we live out our lives in service to him.
Persecution
To persecute means to oppress or harass with ill-treatment for a person’s faith. Persecute means to afflict, badger, and torment. It can even include torture and culminate in death.
Jesus says that when we follow him, we will face persecution (Mark 10:29-30). He doesn’t say we may; he says we will.
Just as Jesus was persecuted, we will be persecuted too (John 15:20). If we live a God-honoring life through Jesus, we should expect to face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
When we are persecuted, we suffer for our faith. We should not attempt to escape our persecution but to endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12). We should bless our tormentors and not condemn our attackers (Romans 12:14).
Hardship
A hardship is something that causes misery or privation. It’s lacking comforts and even life’s necessities. When we experience hardships for what we believe, we suffer for our faith.
The apostle Paul often endured many hardships as he worked to tell people about Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
Furthermore, Paul taught that we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Just as with persecution, we should endure hardship (2 Timothy 4:5 and Hebrews 12:7).
Trials and Testing
A trial can be a legal proceeding, or it can also be a life situation where our faith is tested. Paul endured both. We can expect the same. It shouldn’t surprise us when it occurs. It’s one more way of how we suffer for our faith.
James writes that when we experience trials, we should embrace them with pure joy. This is because they will produce perseverance in us (James 1:2-3 and James 1:12).
Peter agrees, instructing us to rejoice in our trials now as we anticipate what awaits us in our future with Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-7). And we shouldn’t be surprised when these ordeals confront us (1 Peter 4:12-16).
Hatred
John warns us to not be surprised if the world hates us (1 John 3:13). Indeed, it seems that the world detests Christians, as evidenced by socially accepted vitriol.
What should our response be? We should not attack our accusers or retaliate. Instead, we respond with love (1 John 3:11-15).
Wrong Suffering
Some people, however, bring suffering upon themselves. They wrongly attribute this to their faith, when in truth they struggle because they made unwise decisions, said foolish things, or acted selfishly.
Yes, they do suffer as a result, but it’s not for their faith. It’s a result of their personal failings (1 Peter 4:15).
One woman I know was sure she was fired for her faith. In truth she was terminated because she was a poor employee who did little work. She arrived late, left early, and stirred up discord. The result was needless suffering.
Not Suffering?
But what if we’re not suffering for our faith? The answer may be convicting. There are two possible reasons.
One is that we’re living in isolation from the world and therefore not impacting it.
The other is that though we are in the world, the world doesn’t see Jesus through us. I’m not sure which one is worse. Either way we are an ineffective witness.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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