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Kill 'Em with Kindness

    It is clearly stated a number of times in scripture that by doing good for the Lord, we will be persecuted with Him. But with that comes a huge blessing. So how are we supposed to act in times of unjust persecution? It is easy to fall under the weight of it all and question our hearts and actions. Were we really doing what the Lord asked of us, or truly mistaken? How do we prevent the doubt and sadness that comes with persecution for Jesus Christ?

2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (NLT)

Matthew 5:10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (NLT)

    At one point in my life, I was completely chastised by nearly everyone around me for doing what Jesus asked of me. I too questioned myself when authority figures in my life told me I was wrong. However, Jesus showed me how to get through it with joy! My little secret to dealing with persecution is to make a game out of it. The people who hated me fully expected me to lash out at them and fight back. That would give them more license to persecute me! So, I did what scripture directs me to do. I went out of my way to be kind to them. I gave to them and complimented them and never fought back for myself. 

    This is the proper way to act in these circumstances. Handling it that way personally gave me a lot of joy and laughter. It was my own personal joke with Jesus. These people wanted to hate me so badly! And each time I was kind to them they burned under the coals. They could not say anything bad about the good I was doing for them because of my King. I completely laid aside my pride and defenses and allowed the Lord to defend me. Whether I see the fullness of His work or not, I am so grateful for the times of persecution that strengthen my faith and allow me to hold fast to Him only. He is our great defender and will not fail to bless us when we follow Him and allow Him to intervene instead of lashing out in our humanity.

Romans 12:19-20 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (ESV)

Matthew 5:43-45 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

Luke 6:27-31 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. (ESV)

    I encourage you to stand out from the rest of the world today. Do the unexpected and go out of your way to be kind to those who hate you. Show them the unconditional love that Jesus has placed in your heart. Don't let tough times get you down, but rejoice in the opportunity to grow your relationship with Jesus. I assure you that for all your persecution you will be exceedingly rewarded!

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (NIV)

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