While no one wants to be persecuted for the beliefs they hold, Christians paradoxically, the more they fall in love with Jesus, and share the “good news’ of the gospel with others, should not be surprised if they often encounter strong opposition from many of those they share their message with.
And the reason is summed up well by John Stott: “Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value-systems.”1 You see since most people sadly, will not respond positively to the message of the gospel, we can expect some to actually react hostile to us when we share the fact that they are sinners who need to repent. Christianity is a value system, that in the words of Stott, is irreconcilable to every other value system. And as a result, there inevitably will be a clash between these diametrically opposed worldviews.
Knowing this should not in any way bring fear to our hearts in sharing the gospel for several reasons. First, Jesus has told us that we should expect persecution when sharing the good news. We see from Scripture just how much persecution Jesus received when he told people to repent and believe in Him. And if He had to endure this negative response to the “good news” we need to be prepared to likewise receive a similar response. Second, Scripture tells us that rather than despair we should rejoice when persecuted for we read in (Matthew 5:11-12): “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” And third, in our society, where results, or in this case conversions, are so important, we are called only to be faithful in our witness and sharing, and to leave the conversions up to the Holy Spirit.
So my fellow Christian don’t be surprised if you are not the most popular person in your circle of influence since as ambassadors for Christ we are called to be faithful and not popular. And don’t forget that when you are persecuted for your standing up for Christ and the Christian worldview, this cosmic clash is what we were destined, as soldiers of the cross, to endure as believers in Christ!