In the US, we are starting to experience, in a very mild form, the persecution that our sisters and brothers live with around the world. This is exactly what Jesus told us would happen.
John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Hundreds of years before that, a psalm was written that tells us that this was happening even then.
Psalm 123:3-4
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
The proud have looked upon believers with scorn for thousands of years... and they still do today. And we can be confident that it will continue, and likely get even worse. When it does, we can rejoice.
Rejoice?
For an increase in persecution?
It certainly isn't easy. Yet, we know that in experiencing that affliction, we are being molded into Christ's image... for we are sharing in what He experienced. And as the affliction increases, we know that the day of His returns grows closer.
Be encouraged, Jose
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