Persecuted...the word sends chills down my spine. Saying or typing it makes me cringe. We studied persecutions and martyrdom in college. It was difficult, sad, heartbreaking, troubling, disturbing.
We frequently hear of past and present persecutions...for country, faith, family, many reasons. I wonder...who or what would I defend, protect and pay the ultimate sacrifice for in my life?
Then I wonder...do I persecute others? Strong word. Uncomfortable word. Harsh word. Yet definitions of persecution also include: harass, trouble, worry, annoy, bother, torment, afflict.
Could our actions...even as believers...harm others? Uncomfortable thought. Yet I am aware that we harm others when we treat them in ways that trouble their hearts, worry their minds, break their spirits and torment their souls. What if they aren't "one of us" in cliques, level of faith, social status, wealth, appearance, talents, intelligence, profession or other ways? Standing for truth in God's Word is absolutely essential. What I am discussing is how we treat...or torment...others with our words, actions, exclusions, attitudes, avoidance and destructive decisions.
We never know the thoughts, feelings, experiences or struggles of another person. We certainly don't realize our influence on them with our kindness, cruelty or apathy. In this uncertain and unfair world, troubles and trials surround us. Persecution is much too common. It is my sincere prayer that we stand for our faith, our families, our country and for what honors God. I pray, too, that we evaluate how we treat others...who are also precious to Him.<3~thl
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5: 10
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