Responding to Persecution and Unjust Suffering

Like many, I am deeply grieved by reports from South Sudan, Northern Nigeria, Iraq, and Syria of the ongoing systematic persecution, rape, crucifixion, and murder of Christians and other minority groups at the hands of Islamic extremists. Besides praying and raising awareness, I decided to go back and see what Jesus thinks about the suffering of the righteous. Talk about turning the world’s value systems on their head . . . Here is a sampling . . .

• "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:11-12a
• “But love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” ~ Luke 6:35
  
• “Blessed is he who perseveres under trial because, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”  ~ James 1:12
• “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” ~ I Peter 4:12-14
  
• “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” ~ I Peter 4:19
  
• “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of Life” ~ Revelation 2:10 
•  “I have told you this ahead of time so that you will not go astray… In fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.” ~ John 16:1-2
• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

Lord, give us strength to respond to evil and suffering in your way and with your power, truting in your ultimate redemption of all things. We pray for our enemies that you would pour out your grace upon them for repentance, forgiveness, and new life through Christ. May those who are suffering remain "strong, firm and steadfast" and glorify your Name by enduring and  trusting in You. We pray for an end to this suffering and for peace to return to these countries and people.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.