There are numerous followers of Christ who are undergoing persecution for their faith. (The Chinese government is one example of those who are persecuting Christians today.)

Prayers of compassion and concern are imperative for them to be encouraged. God and His power are promised to those who undergo persecution for the sake of Christ.

Persecution in the 20th century was more than the previous centuries. The 21st century is continuing that persecution of Christians.

Foxe”™s Book of Martyrs is an excellent resource about those who suffered persecution in times past. The Voice of the Martyrs is an excellent resource on the internet which reveals those being persecuted today, throughout the world.

(NASB) Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“˜”¦for the sake of righteousness”™ is important in this blessing from God. If you and I are being maligned, shouldn”™t we be sure we are in right standing before God? True persecution (according to God”™s perspective) is being and doing what is right because of faith in Christ.

(NASB) Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”

“˜”¦because of Me.”™ is again an imperative for this blessing from God when you are persecuted. Insults, persecution, false testimony and accusations of evil against any follower of Christ must come because of faith in Christ. Being reviled and ostracized hurts; however when these types of persecutions come, what does God say the followers of Christ are to do?

(NASB) Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Rejoicing? Be glad? How can such an attitude be chosen when persecution comes (in whatever form that may be)?

Thoughts are to focus on the promised future reward that God gives to the persecuted, the tortured and the imprisoned for believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

People in China, India, Saudi Arabia, Laos, Iran, Turkey, and many other nations are undergoing persecution, imprisonment, torture, and separation from family. It is because they are speaking and spreading the good news of Christ Jesus.

That elite group will one day stand before the living God because they are

being persecuted for their faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, they do have something for which they are to Rejoice and Be Glad ““ for their reward is waiting.

Pray for the persecuted to endure

because of God”™s all-surpassing power in their behalf.