Perseguição
Jesus advertiu que seus seguidores seriam perseguidos pelo mundo. Mas a perseguição não é sinal de fracasso — é sinal de fidelidade. Bem-aventurados os que sofrem por causa da justiça.
Perseguição como marca do discípulo
Jesus disse: se o mundo vos odeia, sabei que antes de vós odiou a mim. Todo o que quer viver piedosamente será perseguido.
Persecutions Predicted
"If the world hatesyou, understand that it hated me before it hated you.
In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heavenis theirs.
"You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you,insult you,
and slander your name as evil
because of the Son of Man.
Recompensa na perseguição
Os perseguidos por causa de Cristo receberão grande galardão no céu. Quem perde por amor ao evangelho receberá cem vezes mais.
"Truly I tell you," Jesus said, "there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or fatheror children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel,who will not receive a hundred timesmore, now at this time— houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions— and eternal lifein the age to come.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Amor e confiança em meio à adversidade
A Bíblia nos ensina a amar nossos perseguidores, abençoar os que nos maldizem e confiar que nossos tempos estão nas mãos de Deus.
But I tell you, love your enemiesand pray for those whopersecute you,
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
The course of my life is in your power;
rescue me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff — they comfort me.
Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? ’