1) PERSECUTION:
Persecution will vary from place to place, from time to time, from individual to individual. Sometimes it will result in physical sufferings, sometimes it will mean facing dislike and discrimination. But all godly believers will face it in some measure at some times in their lives.
Christian persecution is to be expected: the apostle Paul warned that “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution".
2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV.
"Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you". John 15:20 NKJV.
Jesus made it clear that those of the world will hate Christians because the world hates Christ.
Christians must learn to recognize the value of persecution and even to rejoice in it.
Keypoints:
First, the persecution of Christians allows them to share in a unique fellowship with the Lord.
Second, in all truth, Christian persecution is good for believers.
"He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly".
1 Peter 2:23 NLT.
Third, Christian persecution enables believers to better value the support of true friends.
Hardship can stimulate the Lord’s people toward a greater resolve to love and comfort one another and lift one another to the throne of grace in prayer.
Even in the face of Christian persecution, we can thank God for His grace and patience with us. We can express gratitude for those whom we love in the Lord and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us.
"Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes". 2 Corinthians 11:24 NLT.
2) BETRAYAL:
Betrayal is a gross violation of trust and can be one of the most devastating forms of pain inflicted upon a human being. The suffering of betrayal is often magnified by a sense of vulnerability and exposure.
David was no stranger to betrayal: "It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God." Psalms 55:12-14 NLT
Jesus knew the pain of betrayal firsthand. The worst, most treacherous betrayal of all time was Judas’s betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
"Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me." Psalms 41:9 NLT
But Jesus did not become vindictive, bitter, or angry. Just the opposite. After receiving the traitor’s kiss, Jesus addressed Judas as “friend” (Matthew 26:50).
Despite the pain, there is a way we can overcome betrayal. The power comes directly from God and the strength of forgiveness.
Keypoints:
The first key is to cry out to God. Though we may want to strike out at the betrayer, we need to take our cause to the Lord.
"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing." 1 Peter 3:9 NLT
Another key in overcoming the pain of betrayal is to remember Jesus’ example. Our sinful nature impels us to “repay evil with evil,” but Jesus taught us otherwise: “Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. . . . Pray for those who persecute you.”
Tit for tat is not a solution my friends.
"But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also".
Matthew 5:39 NKJV
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44 NKJV
Another powerful key in overcoming the bitterness of betrayal is our God-given ability to forgive the betrayer. The word forgiveness includes the word give. When we choose to forgive someone, we actually give that person a gift—the freedom from personal retaliation. But you are also giving yourself a gift—a “grudge-free life.”
Jesus taught that “loving our neighbor as ourselves” should be proactive: “But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Without a question, it is enormously difficult to forgive a person who’s betrayed our trust. It is only possible with God.
Lastly, my friends, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." Romans 12:14-16 NKJV
Persecution is another level, first you'll face betrayal among friends, family and colleagues. In that situation you'll be feel to not to believe anybody. But, I say to you, we all have commonly one good and really close friend, Jesus Christ, Amen!!
