Your Persecuted Family

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” 
Psalm 82:3 (ESV)

How will you stand with the afflicted?

In the United States, Christians experience less persecution than in most other countries. People may reject our beliefs on social media or ridicule us in the public square. But around the world every day, Christians face the horrors of abuse, abduction, arrest, imprisonment, destroyed property, torture, and death. 

Over 75% of the world is hostile to Christians, and 322 Christians are martyred for their faith each month on average. Today, the United States provides a safe environment for Christ-followers. What is our role in the suffering of Christians around the globe? 

1 Corinthians 12:26 says that we are one body. If one part suffers, every part suffers; if one part is honored, every part rejoices. The first step is to recognize that persecution is happening every day around the world. News outlets often fail to report on Christian persecution. Visit OpenDoorsus.org or Voice of the Martyrs at persecution.com to read about and pray for Christians who are suffering.

Next, you can pray. Philippians 1:29 reminds us we may endure suffering for Jesus, but it has a purpose and will be remembered by God. As we endure, we uphold His name and He receives the glory.

Jesus suffered for us on the cross. When we suffer for Jesus’ name, we fellowship with Him in His sufferings, and people see Jesus in us. Pray that the suffering of believers may be ended. Pray also that God uses this suffering as a powerful witness of light to spread the Gospel in dark places.

Finally, you can get involved. Persecutions at the hands of repressive governments, religious tyranny, or lack of human rights are all man-made problems. Through volunteering, petitions, contacting cultural leaders, and activism, you play a tangible part in serving and helping those who are suffering for God. 

Take a moment now, and stand with them.

Prayer: God, help me remember those around the world who suffer for Your name’s sake. I pray their suffering will end. And if it will not, I pray you will use their persecution to glorify Your Name and make your Gospel known among the nations. Open my eyes to ways I can be involved on behalf of those persecuted for Your name’s sake. In Jesus' name, amen.