PERSECUTION; OR CORRECTION FROM THE LORD?

Psalms 106:46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

The life of the child of God is one of tribulations for righteousness’ sake. Sometimes God ordains the tribulation as a correction to his child, (Judges 2:13,14) and other times He allows it for the purpose of spiritually purifying his children (Daniel 12:10). The time is coming when tribulation will be used all over the earth to reveal God’s true faithful ones (Revelations 13:16,17).

In spite of this, it doesn’t mean that every time we find ourselves in opposition with family and friends, that we are ‘suffering’ persecution for righteousness’ sake’. Sometimes, our social conflicts stem from the fact that we may just be wrong on something, blind to some truth, or even that we have an arrogant obnoxious attitude about it, which God does not bless (2 Timothy 2:24). These same principles can be applied in the realm of business and international politics.

God owns the heart of his children. He also owns the heart of the nations, and none of either one can make a move without His permission. We need to always remember that God is ultimately the one in charge, in control, and ultimately responsible for everything that goes on in our lives, and in the world. When we repent from our errors, when we harmonize our soul with God’s Spirit, God also pours His blessings on us in the form of the favor of our enemies.

So when we are faced with personal, social or political conflict, let us not be so quick in adopting the ‘persecution syndrome’. Let us check our heart to see if maybe our poor relationship with our ‘neighbor’ is a reflection of our disharmony with God’s Spirit.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.