As America continues to drift from its Christian roots, the persecution of Christians is likely to intensify. Recent events, such as the backlash against a fast-food chain president for expressing support for traditional marriage, highlight this growing tension, with planned protests and boycotts targeting the openly Christian business. Though this represents a milder form of persecution, it serves as a reminder to prepare for more severe challenges ahead. Jesus Christ calls us to face persecution with specific attitudes. First, patience is essential, as we must trust in God's timing for deliverance, enduring suffering with courage and constancy. We are to wait on the Lord, knowing He will save us from our persecutors when the time is right. Second, we should maintain a positive outlook, glorifying God even in suffering by offering praise and thanksgiving, as exemplified by Paul and Silas who prayed and sang hymns while imprisoned. Our behavior during persecution should also reflect this desire to honor Him. Third, we are to commit ourselves to doing good, even amidst hardship, showing love to all, including our enemies, as Jesus Christ did during His crucifixion by comforting others and seeking forgiveness for His persecutors. Finally, an attitude of joy is vital, rejoicing in sharing Christ's sufferings, understanding that such trials are not strange but a part of the Christian journey. This joy comes from knowing that God counts us worthy to endure for righteousness' sake, with the promise that those persecuted for righteousness will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Persecution was a significant challenge for the early Christians to whom the book of I Peter was addressed, particularly those dispersed in Asia Minor around 63 to 67 AD. During this time, under the reign of Nero, persecution intensified, especially following the burning of Rome on July 19, 64 AD. Nero shifted blame onto the Christians, leading to widespread cruelty across the Roman Empire. Christians faced severe tortures, including being covered in wild beast skins to be devoured by dogs, crucified, burned alive, and even used as human torches to light Nero's parties. These acts of cruelty marked the beginning of formal prohibitions against Christianity, with laws and edicts declaring it unlawful to be a Christian. Misunderstandings and rumors fueled further persecution. The secretive nature of Christ's Passover led to accusations of cannibalism due to phrases about eating someone's body and drinking blood. The Christian practice of greeting with a kiss of love was misconstrued as orgiastic vice, and their teachings about a world dissolving in flames at Christ's second coming were used to pin the blame for Rome's destruction on them. Additionally, Christians were accused of disrupting family life, often due to conflicts arising from differing beliefs within families or factions. Persecution was not constant but occurred sporadically in pockets throughout the empire, ranging from verbal abuse to extreme physical torment. Peter wrote I Peter to encourage and strengthen these believers, emphasizing that persecution is inevitable and often provoked by their good works, which the world views as weakness. He urged them to maintain honorable conduct among non-believers, so that even when spoken against as evildoers, their good works might eventually glorify God. Peter assured them that suffering for righteousness' sake is a blessing and that God would not allow them to be tried beyond their ability to endure. He also reminded them that their adversary, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion, stirring up persecution through others, and encouraged them to resist steadfastly in faith, knowing that their sufferings are shared by fellow believers worldwide. Peter emphasized that persecution should not be surprising, as it is a fiery trial meant to test them, and they should rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, glorifying God through their endurance. Modern examples of persecution also exist, such as the case of a Michigan mother arrested in 1993 for homeschooling her children without meeting state educational requirements, facing humiliation and intimidation. Another instance is the Waco massacre in Texas on April 19, 1993, where 86 people, including 24 children, were burned to death by government forces, despite no evidence of violent crimes or child abuse, highlighting the potential for severe persecution even today against those who differ from societal norms.

Persecution evokes harrowing images of terror, torture, and death for holding fast to faith in God. It manifests as hiding from relentless enemies, enduring brutal inquisitions, or facing public spectacles of cruelty, yet Jesus calls those persecuted for righteousness' sake blessed, promising them great reward. This appears to contrast with God's assurances of peace and deliverance, yet it is integral to His purpose and does not diminish His love or care for His children. Persecution, defined as aggressive and hostile behavior often driven by misguided zeal, plays a vital role in the outworking of God's plan, as seen throughout biblical accounts of His servants' suffering. In the Bible, persecution is pervasive, with Jesus as its central target, revealing its source in opposition to truth and righteousness. As the body of Christ, the church bears the brunt of this hostility, often from satan's influence. Jesus warns that persecution is an inevitable lot for His followers due to their union with Him, as evidenced when He asked Saul on the Damascus road, "Why are you persecuting Me?" This suffering serves as a sign of authentic faith, and God counts as righteous those who endure it steadfastly. Persecution primarily takes a religious form in Scripture, though it can also be ethnic or social. It ranges from harassment to martyrdom, with satan relentlessly pursuing the righteous to thwart God's purpose. It is inevitable for those who live godly in Christ Jesus, and God exhorts a positive response, condemning reactions that destroy witness, character, or loyalty. The connection between righteousness and persecution is clear: true persecution comes from living correctly according to God's commands, not from personal flaws or mere differences in belief or affiliation. Human nature often reacts with hostility to the distinctiveness of true Christianity, irritated by the standard of Christ presented through His followers. Persecution becomes a test of devotion, measuring trust, loyalty, sincerity, courage, and patience. Suffering for righteousness' sake is an honor, aligning the persecuted with Christ's own trials, and should be faced without shame, provided it is not due to personal misconduct. Jesus declares, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." Sources of persecution vary, often arising within families, workplaces, or communities, especially over issues like Sabbath-keeping or refusing the mark of the Beast. The most intense opposition frequently comes from religious leaders and culminates with civil authorities, mirroring the pattern of Christ's own persecution. Despite efforts at peacemaking, some refuse reconciliation, leading to hostility that must be endured as a clash of irreconcilable values. God calls His people to represent Him by patiently overcoming persecution as preparation for His Kingdom. Jesus counsels rejoicing in persecution, for it validates faith, places believers in a noble succession of faithful figures, and guarantees reward in heaven. It brings fellowship with Christ's sufferings, humbles through awareness of spiritual weaknesses, and guards against worldly friendship. Persecution, though seemingly contradictory to God's way, is a disguised blessing, designed to refine character and complete preparation for His Kingdom, producing perseverance, character, and hope.

Persecution against the Christian religion is a growing reality worldwide, with evidence showing it to be the most persecuted faith. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian beliefs do not dominate, violent persecutions are rampant, driven by a hatred fueled by satan and prophesied by God as the approaching tribulation. In Israelitish nations, however, 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 successful, as humanists, who prioritize man's achievements over faith in the Creator, now hold most positions of secular authority. Recent surveys reveal a decline in religious liberty in America, with varying levels of concern among different age groups; the elderly express significant worry, while younger adults show little concern. The influence of humanist leadership, misplaced trust in human authority rather than in God, and the resulting harvest of lawlessness are evident in the nation. Government actions, such as the Obamacare Act requiring employers to fund abortifacients, directly confront Christian faith through subterfuge, forcing individuals and businesses to act against their religious convictions. Legal battles, like that of Hercules Industries, highlight the clash between secular authority and faith, with broader implications for other religious practices and beliefs. The rise of such issues signals a troubling future for those who hold to their faith in God.

Persecution is a profound and serious aspect of the Christian journey, often marking a life of dedication to God and His principles. It is depicted as a life-and-death endeavor, where devotion to God and Christ remains unwavering, even if it leads to horrific ends such as being torn by beasts, burned at the stake, or facing other brutal fates. God grants rapturous joys and blessings, yet sometimes asks His followers to endure horror and potential martyrdom through vicious persecution. In America, religious freedom is legally guaranteed, preventing large-scale persecution. However, there have been instances of mild governmental persecution, such as the 1979 event in California, though it was largely internal, stemming from within the church community. Individual persecutions have occurred, including members being jailed for child discipline practices as instructed by God, losing jobs over Sabbath observance, facing family conflicts and divorces due to religious differences, and battling over healing doctrines with doctors and governments. These personal trials, while traumatic, pale in comparison to the martyrdoms of early Christians who were beaten, stoned, torn by lions, or burned as witnesses before the world. Persecution, as distinct from tribulation, is always external, a pursuit or putting to flight by an outside force, whether human or spiritual, such as satan and his demons. It often arises because of the Word of God, as seen in the struggles of early converts who faced hostility for their faith practices, such as refusing to work on the Sabbath or adhering to dietary laws. Many endured reproaches from family and friends, yet have not resisted to the point of bloodshed, unlike Christ, who endured immense hostility from sinners. The absence of severe persecution in modern times among some Christian communities may be attributed to living in more tolerant Israelite nations compared to Gentile nations like Rome, China, or Muslim-majority countries where systematic persecution persists. However, historical Israelite nations have also shown animosity, indicating tolerance is not the sole reason. Two key factors emerge: the 'time factor,' suggesting persecution aligns with specific moments in God's plan to maximize its witness value, and the 'righteousness factor,' questioning whether individuals are righteous enough to suffer for God's sake. Persecution is seen as a divine opportunity for testimony, a chance to stand before rulers and proclaim faith, as foretold by Christ. Scriptural accounts indicate persecution often precedes significant prophetic events and serves as a tool for God to shock His people into repentance, especially for those lukewarm in faith. It is also a sign of God's judgment of worthiness for His Kingdom, a form of divine favor and grace granted to suffer for Christ's sake. Those who suffer for righteousness provide a witness against the ungodly systems of the world, and their persecution is a pat on the back from God, a reward for their faithfulness. The attitude during persecution should reflect patience, a desire to glorify God, a commitment to continue doing good, and even joy. Patience involves enduring suffering with unswerving constancy, waiting on God for deliverance. Glorifying God during persecution means offering praise and maintaining a godly demeanor through suffering. Doing good, as Christ did even during His crucifixion by preaching the gospel, remains a Christian's duty despite persecution. Joy, though unnatural in suffering, comes from recognizing persecution as a sign of God's favor and the promise of great reward in heaven, enabled only by the Holy Spirit's work within. Ultimately, persecution for righteousness' sake is blessed, promising the kingdom of heaven and a great reward. It is not to be sought out or desired, but if God allows it, it must be faced with the right attitude, following Christ's example of submission to God's will, rejoicing in the honor of suffering for His name.