What is persecution?

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Persecution is being hated or harmed because of your beliefs.

For Christians, persecution means being hated or harmed because of believing in Jesus. He was persecuted while He lived on earth—even to the point of death. Jesus told us that His followers would be persecuted because of Him (John 15:20). Part of the reason Christians are persecuted is because Christians live according to the Bible—not the world.

Persecution can be scary and hard. However, persecution causes a Christian’s faith to grow (James 1:2-4). Even if we undergo persecution, we can rely on God for strength. He can help us overcome any difficulty. Persecution may happen in our lives, but Christ is bigger than any persecution we may face.

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"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be treated badly" (2 Timothy 3:12).

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you like one of its own. But you do not belong to the world. I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:19).

"But we are citizens of heaven. And we can hardly wait for a Savior from there. He is the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).