And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.
Mark 13:13

As many of you know, the persecuted church is a great concern for me. I count it an honor, as well as a responsibility, to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world with whom we share the same faith, but who do not enjoy the same freedom we are so accustomed to.*

I was struck today by Jesus’ words in Mark 13:13, especially the word “all.”

Most of us know very little, if anything at all, about persecution. At least not personally. If we know anything at all, it might be that are not included in certain conversations or invited to certain parties. For some, unbelieving family members may think we are weird. In extreme cases, they may not speak to us.

Jesus’ words, at least to we who have it so easy, may actually be words that should encourage rejoicing! Not only rejoicing that we are persecuted for Christ’s sake, but that only a small number of people, and certainly not ALL, hate us for His name’s sake.

Let us be sure we do not compromise for the sake of the approval of people. And let us pray, pray, pray for family and friends who disapprove of, or even hate us. May God show them the kindness He has show us by giving them new hearts that love the Lord, even as He gave that kind of heart to us!

Errol
*May I again encourage you to get the “VOM Pray Today “ app on your phone and set a daily reminder alarm to check that app and pray for the believers in whatever country is featured each day? It takes only a small amount of time, but praying makes a BIG difference!