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.
If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before it hated you.
Of course it’s true that everyone who wants to live a life devoted to God in Christ Jesus will experience persecution,
Blessed are those persecuted for what is right, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and accuse you of all kinds of evil things because of me.
How happy are you when people hate you, exclude you, insult you, and curse your name as evil because of me, 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.
"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "anyone who has left behind their home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands because of me, and for the sake of the good news, will receive in return in due course a hundred times as many homes and brothers and sisters and children and lands—as well as persecution. In the world to come they will receive eternal life.
Who can separate us from Christ’s love? Can oppression, distress, or persecution? Or hunger, poverty, danger, or violence?
So I appreciate weaknesses, insults, troubles, persecutions, and difficulties that I suffer for Christ’s sake. For when I’m weak, then I’m 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 enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Bless those who persecute you—bless them, and don’t curse them.
My whole life is in your hands! Save me from those who hate me and persecute me!
Even when I walk through the valley dark as death, I’m not afraid of any evil, because you are right there with me; your rod and your staff protect me.
Be responsible, and stay alert. The devil, your enemy, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’