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.
18 "If the world hates you, you should realize that it hated me before you.
12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
10 "How blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
11 "How blessed are you whenever peopleinsult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falselybecause of me!
22 How blessed are you whenever people hate you, avoid you, insult you, and slander you 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.
29 Jesus said,"Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or fields because of me and the gospel30 who will not receive a hundred times as much here in this world—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, along with persecutions—as well as eternal life in the age to come.
35 Who can separate us from Christ's love? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or a sword?
10 That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake, 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.
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
14 Bless those who persecute you. Keep on blessing them, and never curse them.
8 Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’