Persecution.......What is that?

per⋅se⋅cute
/ˈpur,sɪˌkyut/
1. to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, esp. because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently.
2. to annoy or trouble persistently.

It's been going on for over 2000 years, and we still, as a human race, haven't found an efficient way to deal with persecution. Most of us really don't even know what it means, so I have so graciously provided a definition. We all have people/issues that rub us the wrong way. We have been told parental proverbs such as "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything", and even "treat others as you want to be treated". Truth be known, these are both biblical principles. We are to only speak words that edify, or build up, others. The golden rule can be found in the gospels of THE HOLY BIBLE: Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31. Whether we are raised to "fear God" or not, we have these principles ingrained into us from a very young age.


From the last few verses of the 5th chapter of Matthew, Jesus instructed us how to treat someone annoying us, or troubling us. We are instructed to pray for those people. A very wise man once encouraged me not to share my problems (persecutions) with anyone who CAN'T help me fix them.

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Soooo, the next time that person gets under your skin, instead of grabbing the nearest four letter word and throwing it at them, remember what Jesus said "pray for those who persecute you".