The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers

The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers

Plain Truth Staff

The persecution in my home is so severe that it is difficult to live a Christian life. I do not try to cram my religion down anybody's throat. Am I bringing this persecution on through some hidden sin?

   God has not promised us an easy life � or a life that is free from troubles.
   Christ Himself predicted that His followers would be persecuted (John 15:20), even by their own families (Luke 21:16). But God has promised to deliver us out of all troubles (II Pet. 2:9 and Psa. 34:17). We must continuously look to God for help from every difficulty.
   God allows us to have trials for our own good, to strengthen us and to build up our faith. Through them we often learn to LOVE friends and relatives as never before � even though they ridicule and persecute. It is their feeling of guilt and self-condemnation that makes them persecute, they NEED year prayers!
   When we do begin obeying God, we find that we are suddenly tried almost to the breaking point in OUT faith. The Apostle Peter, however, gives us encouragement on this point.
   "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (I Pet. 4:12-13).
   When you look at your own problems, it is natural to believe that no one else has problems like yours. We, however, find something different in the Bible. The Apostle Paul assured us that all Christians have similar difficulties when he said, in I Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God did not say He would remove the temptations, but that He would help us to bear them.
   Remember, it is your duty to LOVE your family. It is God's responsibility to deliver you from family antagonism and persecution.