On Persecution

We Christians want to make one thing very clear. We are not mad at those who persecute us. We will be persecuted anyway. We would be very concerned if we were not being persecuted. We are concerned, however, about the people who persecute us, because they have allowed themselves to become instruments of the devil. We pray that they accept the forgiveness of the Father and wake up to realize their value and purpose in God's plan.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:18-20)

"Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." (Luke 23:34)