Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. Acts 14:19

Those who hate God’s people, hate us because they hate Him (1 Samuel 8:7, John 15:18-24). If we renounced Christ and joined them in hating Christ, they would love us as they love their own. Besides encouraging us not to take the mistreatment of believers personally, we should also be encouraged that no amount of persecution of God’s people will get rid of Christ or His kingdom. His kingdom cannot fail (Matthew 16:18)!

The Christ hating world mistakenly believes that by getting rid of Christians, they can get rid of Christ. Impossible! Jesus already died and rose victoriously—and so will all who suffer for His name’s sake (Romans 8:16-18). Jesus has already defeated His foes.

Hostility against Christianity, Christians,—and against Christ is on the rise, not only in many places around the world, but in our crumbling society as well. Let us, therefore, be encouraged that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37)!

For those who suffer now: Pray! For ourselves who may well suffer as opposition to Christ mounts in the US: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus—(1) in His Word, (2) in prayer, and (3) as we remain in constant fellowship with each other!