If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
(1 Peter 4:14)
However long you’ve spent in the Kingdom, you cannot help but notice that the majority of world doesn’t share in your new joy of being in Christ. Co-workers, classmates, authorities, random strangers and even loved ones make up this list of persecutors.
The reason is simple: your new, sinless life stands in direct contract to the ones they lead. They still struggle with the darkness you once did.
The big question is, how can you survive and flourish as a Christian in spite of the mockery, deprivation and pain they cause?
Here are 5 practical ways to handle persecution like a pro:
1. Treasure Your Quiet Time
Make time before each day begins to seek God. Ask Him for mercy, grace and preservation. Ask for wisdom to tackle new tactics. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
2. Be Saturated with God’s Word
Every issue you will ever face has already been addressed there. Engage with it in every way possible. They will drown out the hostile words and actions.
3. Show them Love
Trust God to help you with this. Give them respect and help. You’re in a battle, and they’re not the real enemies. Satan is. Pray for their salvation. It’s impossible to hate someone you pray sincerely and consistently for.
4. Disappoint Their Negative Expectations
They expect you to give up on God, to crack under pressure, to compromise a little, to lash back. Determine to disappoint them. They’ll be the ones to crack for Christ.
5. Be Excellent
Determine to be so exceptional and relevant that you become an asset to your particular industry. Success is an extremely persuasive language.
Rely totally on God. You will emerge victorious.