As America continues to move away from its Christian roots, the persecution of Christians is expected to rise. An example can be seen in the recent backlash against a fast-food chain president for expressing support for traditional marriage, resulting in planned protests and boycotts by opposing groups. Though this represents a milder form of persecution, it contrasts with the more severe struggles faced by early believers, who endured reproaches, tribulations, and the loss of their possessions. While current experiences may not reach such violent extremes, preparation for potential escalation remains necessary. Jesus Christ and the apostles provide guidance on facing persecution with specific attitudes. Patience is foundational, requiring endurance and trust in God's timing for deliverance, as He works to transform character over time. Additionally, a positive outlook is essential, reflecting a desire to glorify God through praise and thanksgiving, even in suffering, as exemplified by Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison. The manner of enduring, through both words and behavior, also serves to honor Him. Further, Christians are called to do good during persecution, rising above circumstances to show love, even to enemies, mirroring Jesus Christ's actions during His crucifixion when He offered forgiveness and comfort. Lastly, an attitude of joy is encouraged, not as a natural response, but as a recognition of sharing in Christ's sufferings, supported by the strength and perspective provided by God, knowing that such trials are for a righteous cause and carry the promise of the kingdom of heaven.

Persecution of Christians manifests in various forms across the world, often with profound impact on their lives. In many regions, tens of thousands are martyred each year for their faith and adherence to what they believe is the truth of God. While such extreme violence is less common in Israelitish nations like the United States, persecution here takes on a different, often non-violent but psychologically traumatic form, devastating to one's way of life. This persecution is largely executed through the courts, denying Christians the right to worship God according to their conscience, with actions that can be both subtle and overt. One notable instance occurred in Charlotte during the Democratic National Convention, where local churches faced rejection for extending hospitality. Fifty-six Charlotte area churches prepared gift baskets with regional candies and welcome letters for delegates, offering assistance in transportation, child care, and spiritual matters. However, the DNC banned the distribution of these baskets, citing that the congregations held values contrary to the party platform, including views on women's rights and pro-life stances, despite the baskets containing no political messages. In contrast, a gathering of Muslims praying for the convention was warmly welcomed, highlighting a disparity in treatment. In American universities, persecution is evident through the suppression of Christian beliefs and organizations. At Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, the Christian Legal Society was denied campus status for requiring members to adhere to traditional Christian norms on sexual morality, a decision upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling in 2010, forcing the group to disband. Similarly, Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and the University of Illinois have implemented policies that effectively exclude traditionally Christian student groups from campus facilities, denying them regular access simply for their faith. State and local authorities also exert pressure on Christians, as seen in Washington state and Illinois, where pharmacists are forced against their conscience to dispense morning-after pills, despite alternatives being available nearby. Additionally, private businesses face challenges, such as Hercules Industries in Colorado, owned by a Catholic family, which objected to providing mandated coverage conflicting with their faith. The Obama Justice Department argued that no incorporated business owner can claim religious freedom or conscience to override legal requirements, illustrating the tightening constraints on Christian practice. These examples reveal a creeping encroachment on religious freedom, making it increasingly difficult for Christians to maintain their beliefs while engaging in public life, whether through community outreach, education, or business.

Persecution against the Christian religion, encompassing all denominational groups claiming Christianity, is a growing reality worldwide, manifesting in various forms. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian religions do not dominate, violent persecutions are prevalent, driven by a tsunami of hatred fueled by satan and prophesied by God as the tribulation. In contrast, within Israelitish nations, satan employs a subtler strategy, avoiding violence and instead using a gradual approach to undermine Christianity through educational institutions and the courts. This method has proven eminently successful, with humanists, who prioritize man's achievements over faith in the Creator, holding most leadership positions in secular authority across government, business, education, media, science, and even within some Christian circles. The decline of religious liberty in America is evident, as recent surveys indicate growing concern among older generations, while younger adults show little worry. Satan's influence through humanist leadership has led to a culture of misplaced trust, where authority is given to men rather than to God, resulting in a harvest of lawlessness as described in Hosea 10:13. A specific example of this persecution is seen in governmental policies such as the Obamacare Act, which mandates employers to pay for abortifacients, conflicting with the religious convictions of many, including businesses like Hercules Industries. This family-owned company has resisted, taking the issue to court on the grounds of their faith, facing government arguments that dismiss the burden on their conscience. Such conflicts highlight a broader struggle over authority in matters of faith, pitting God's commands against secular dictates, and foreshadow potential challenges to other religious practices.

Persecution against Christians, as addressed in I Peter, emerged in various forms during the early church period, particularly around 63 to 67 AD when Peter wrote to the dispersed elect in Asia Minor. During this time, under Nero's reign, especially following the burning of Rome in 64 AD, Christians faced severe accusations and physical torments. Nero shifted blame for the fire onto Christians, leading to widespread persecution across the Roman Empire. This included verbal abuse and escalated to horrific physical tortures such as being covered in wild beast skins to be devoured by dogs, crucifixion, burning at the stake, and even being used as human torches to light Nero's gatherings. Beyond physical suffering, Christians endured social and psychological persecution. Misunderstandings of their practices, such as the secretive Passover and phrases about eating body and drinking blood, fueled rumors of cannibalism. Their greetings with a kiss of love were misconstrued as orgies of vice, and their teachings about a world dissolving in flames at Christ's return were twisted to incriminate them. Additionally, accusations of disrupting family life arose, often due to differences in belief within households or Christian communities. Persecution was not constant but occurred sporadically in pockets throughout the empire. Peter's writings emphasize that such suffering is inevitable, often provoked by the Christians' good works, which stand as a conscience to the world and provoke opposition. Yet, he encourages believers to remain steadfast, reminding them that they are not alone in their trials, as their brotherhood worldwide experiences similar afflictions. Peter attributes the root of this persecution to satan, who stirs up opposition against God's people. Through enduring these trials with good conduct, Christians are to glorify God, trusting in His promise that they will not be tested beyond their ability to bear.