Christians Safe in America

                   
                        I’ve become increasingly freighted about the reality that “we Christians in America are safe”, we are secured by the laws of "freedom of religion", to the extent that we pay no attention to the effect this can possibly have on our faith. I've read numerous stories about persecution in foreign countries all over the world, and the extremes of the persecution expressed on Christians that has resulted in numerous deaths. Thousands of testimonies have been spoken about tortured victims whose been brutally beaten all for the sake of the gospel. Those persecuted in other foreign countries have been through it with a heart after God; through rejoicing in their supposed "humiliation" of being a Christian, also viewing their persecution in the perspective of honoring Christ, and living their faith out in Jesus (Jms.1:1-3), they understand Christ was persecuted first, and they pray for their persecutors (Matt 5:44), (Jn 15:20). This I believe is an inspiration, but also something that calls for our attention as a body of believers. The extremes of Christian persecution executed in foreign countries can become burdensome for those experiencing it, also this may cause doubt in their faith, and often times may cause them to grow weary. Therefore, we as a body of believers should respond, question is how?

1. We should pray for them and on another that we all may continue strong in the faith (Jams 5:13)

2. Those persecuted in these foreign countries have been deprived of their financial need, so we should contribute financially (Matt 6:21), (Lk 6:38), (2 Cor 9:7)

3. Let us join together in unity praying for one another’s weaknesses, uplifting one another, planting seeds in each other's lives so that if in the face of opposition, that seed may prosper in that person's life (Gal 6:1-2,6-10).

Of course, let us remember those persecuted for the gospel and let our hearts be set on Christ that if we may endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel, we will not grow weary but we will press forward so that we may receive the crown of life in heaven (Jms 1:12). If your interested in reading stories of those persecuted and their personal testimonies, go to www.persecution.org.