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| The Arrest of Christ by Dieric Bouts |
It’s been said that Christians suffer from a persecution complex, maybe, but being persecuted is to be expected if we are following Jesus. I wonder if our reactions to persecution are in line with Jesus’ teachings about how to handle those who would treat us badly?
Jesus said in John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, know that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you.”
What did Jesus do when “Christianity” was under attack? Jesus told his disciples to stand down. But St. Peter pulled out his sword anyway and struck Malchus, one of those who came out to arrest Jesus. Then in a revolutionary act of compassion Jesus healed Malchus and told Peter to put his weapon away, that He didn’t need anyone to defend Him. Then, hours later in an example of the upside down Kingdom of God, Jesus prayed that his executioners would be forgiven.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This teaching of Jesus is echoed by St. Paul in Romans 12:14 where he admonishes us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Let's be a blessing and not a curse!
Peace, Love and Light!
Kevin (Cloud)
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