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September 16 Daily Devotional

Persecution Complex

Peter G. Feenstra

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:15–16

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:12–19

Devotional

Are you afraid of being persecuted? The Bible says that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12). Jesus says to His disciples in John 15:20, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” Both passages do not say that we may be persecuted but that we will be persecuted.

What is persecution? Some Christians develop a persecution complex when, in fact, what they are experiencing isn’t really persecution but the consequences of poor decisions or unrighteous behaviour. We suffer the long-term effects. Past sins can put us at odds with our loved ones, with friends, children or grand-children. Although God forgives us of our sins, there are consequences to behaviour done in sinful blindness. We can be guilty of doing things that alienate us from friends and that leave us distraught and miserable—but that is not persecution. Peter writes in his first letter, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:15–16) The suffering that is blessed by the Lord is that which is endured for the sake of righteousness.

Sometimes people develop a persecution complex because they think other people are out to get them. They feel mistreated by fellow believers because their sinful lifestyle is met with disapproval. Such individuals are quick to complain that the church is intolerant and lacks warmth and compassion. But again, that is not persecution. Furthermore, we should not think we are being persecuted when people react to our hypercriticism and judgmental attitude. Just because we feel the ire of those who have had enough of our harsh criticism does not give us reason to walk around wearing a persecution badge or to go about proclaiming that this is what Jesus foretold would happen.

Persecution is about righteousness and our relationship to Christ. From that perspective the afflictions of this present time are light and momentary in comparison to the glory that is to be revealed. Let us then continue in faithfulness to Christ and never be ashamed of the gospel.

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