Christians persecuted in the USA?

Jesus said, “ The one who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have [j]sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But this has happened so that the word that is written in their Law will be fulfilled: ‘They hated Me for no reason.’

“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, namely, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you are testifying as well, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” [John 15:23-27]

As I write this column, I have received 5 different email notifications in the last week about a number of Christians who have been arrested or fired in the United States for their faith. Three of these believers have been arrested for praying for people outside Abortion clinics. All of those folks have been arrested by the FBI, and in at least two of the cases it was done by a large contingent of agents with all sorts of assault type weapons, at the person’s home in front of their spouse and small children.

As I was thinking about these events, the passage at the top of this column appeared in my study time. For those who have committed to being Christian in this life, we consider God to be our father. When we commit to that faith, over what is popular and acceptable in society; we run the risk of offend the people and the government. In today’s political climate, it is becoming evident that your faith will put a target on your back.

So, while I will attempt not to cast stones or give history lessons, consider this idea: WE, Christians, were made by God to live in community with God so we can reflect His light into the world around us. Jesus called us to live a life of discipleship, and by that He meant we are called to live a life of loving others, as He loved those He encountered during His human life here on earth. THIS IS NO EASY TASK, AND IN FACT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE ON OUR OWN. BUT if we will commit to living God’s way, He will empower us through the Holy Spirit to love others, and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. Do not let threats, hatred, abuse, or arrest dim or snuff out the light of Christ that has been given to you. Do not give in to the urge to meet the opposition where they are. WE are called to shine the light of God, and truth, on the struggles of this world- not to add to the abundance of darkness being cast on it. Speak life, and love into the world today, as your Savior did each day of His ministry here on earth.