- 1 Peter 3:13-18 - And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
- Matthew 5:14-16 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- John 3:20 - For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
- John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Facing persecution gives us an opportunity to witness powerfully. As Christians, we all want to be witnesses for Christ. It is natural to expect that if we faithfully demonstrate His righteousness, love, patience, and joy in our relationships with others, people will be drawn to Jesus. However, while this is true for some, many react differently. Jesus called believers the "light of the world" and said our light should shine so that people see our good works and give glory to God. But He also said, "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed." He later warned that if they persecuted Him, they would also persecute His disciples. History has proven the truth of Christ's words. He was hated and crucified; the early church faced violent persecution, and Christians have suffered for their faith for centuries. Despite this, the church continues on, and people continue to be saved. Even today, believers around the world witness powerfully by their response to suffering. Even when we are not facing persecution, our faith can disturb those who are not ready to encounter the Light. When we face slander, ridicule, or mistreatment because of our faith, let us remember that a response pleasing to God can be our most effective witness.
Reflection
When your faith causes others to react negatively, how can you remain gentle and honor God through that response?
