1 Peter 4:13-14 ERV “But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory. When people say bad things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you.”
A Christianity without persecution is suspicious!
2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Everyone who wants to live showing true devotion to God in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” The Scripture leaves no one out. Every Christian, living, speaking and doing the works of Christ will be persecuted in some way.
There are different ways we could be persecuted. It could be verbal. Jesus said, “How bad it is when everyone says nothing but good about you. Just look at the false prophets. Their ancestors always said good things about them.” Luke 6:26. There are people who say they don’t like insults. They haven’t seen anything yet! People are going to say nonsense about you just because you believe in Jesus and are living His life and doing His works.
It’s really a great thing to share in the sufferings of Christ; it qualifies us to share His glory as well. Romans 8:17b says, “But we must suffer like Christ suffered. Then we will be able to share his glory.” And 2 Timothy 2:12a says “If we remain faithful even in suffering, we will also rule with him.” Hallelujah!
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