STEEMCHURCH - Christians and persecution

Persecution is defined as an act of molesting a person or a group of people. Persecution involves harassment, intimidation, oppression, physical assault which may lead to the death of the victim. Over the years christians have surffered from persecution in various countries like somalia, north - korea, iraq and nigeria. Persecution can come as a result of ones religious belief or political power.

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Christians were hated because of their uncompromising attitude and willingness to yield to worldly passions that are dangerous to the spiritual growth and they are haunted because of this all over the world.

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Christianity involves self denial, suffering and persecution only to those who are determined and are fully committed can succeed. This was the reason Christ warned the apostle's that "no one who puts his hands into the plough and look back is not fit for the kingdom of God. The earthly christians suffered alot and many of them were killed. Examples are Stephen, james, john etc.

In Nigeria, most of those who embraced Christianity at the early stage were ostracized in the in the community. Peter admonish Christians to persecute when falling and reformed them on the right attitude to adapt. St peter acknowledged the fact that Christians may suffer various trials in order to test the genuiness of their faith.

He said as gold passes through fire to be refined so also as persecution to Christians for their endurance would qualify them for honour and glory at the revelation of christ. He advised Christians to rejoice while being persecuted because without seeing Christ, they love him and belief in him.

Christians who are to live sober and set their hope on the grace that would be theirs at the second coming of Christ. Peter told them to be holy in all their conducts. St peter advised Christians who are facing persecution, suffering for Christ sake to rejoice because the spirit of Gods glory is upon them and they would also rejoice with Christ in his glory. Peter said, of Christians are suffering persecution, they would not be ashamed for the fact they did not commit any sin or offence rather thy should glorify God while suffering for the sake of christ. According to peter, the judgement would start from the household of God. He concluded that those who suffer innocently or according to the will of God should continue doing what is right and entrust their souls to God.

Christians should not conform to the canal desire of men of the world rather they should remain sober and hopeful of the glory and salvation of Jesus that would be revealed during his second coming. They should always praise God in time of sadness and joy and also the fear of God should be their watch word because God is an impartial God. Let's remain forever in their faith, unshaken by any wind of persecution affliction of the enemy or Satan the devil.

As christians, even though we suffer from persecution, we should bear in mind that we do it all for christ. For our reward is great in heaven. Let us also pray for our fellow christians in other countries that God almighty will continue to strengthen them and touch the hearts of their persecutors and visit them the way he visited paul on the way to damascus.