After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you. Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.
1 Peter 2: 21 - 23
Imagine that the followers of Jesus had been able to “save Him” from dying on the Cross. What if Peter and his sword had run off all those who wanted to arrest Jesus and turn Him over to the Romans who would crucify Him? Of course, if Jesus had not died on the Cross and been raised to life we would have no hope of Heaven and an Eternal Life with Christ! The compassion of Peter wanted to stop the crucifixion. Thank God he was not able to keep Jesus from being crucified.
Are we not doing the same thing when we try to legislate against the persecution of Christians? If we stop all those who would persecute followers of Jesus, how will we suffer as we follow in the footsteps of our Lord?
The truth is this: Those who make Christians suffer for their faith are doing them no harm at all. In fact, it is just the opposite. By causing disciples of Christ to suffer for their faith people in this world system are giving believers the glorious opportunity to live as Jesus did!
“Lord Jesus, give me the faith and strength to be willing to bear the cross You have prepared for me, that I may have the privilege of living as You did on this earth. Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever. Amen.”
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