Gracious Father, we ask that we might be counted among those who are persecuted for your glory. Not out of self-contempt or because we are offensive, inappropriately radical, obnoxious, or overzealous, but because of our resolute loyalty to Christ, his love for others, his truth, and his mission.
Lord Jesus, you are the light, and as your children, you command us to let your light shine through us that you might be glorified. We ask that we be filled with your Spirit exuding your love, humility, meekness, mercy, and peace. As children of light, may our loyalty to Christ and his truth arouse the consciences of those around us that we may win their souls for Christ’s glory. Remind us that the message of Christ is to one person the fragrance of life and to the other the smell of death. To some this message will cause friction, annoyance, and even anger, sometimes within those who claim Christ. Their attempt to silence the message might mean attempting to silence us, the messengers.
As Christ’s beloved, fully dependent and empowered by him, may we be light in a dark world, laboring for the souls of men. When encountering harsh words, insults, rejection, and even potentially physical threats, give us discernment to first make sure our perceived persecution isn’t self-inflicted due to fleshly motives. If so, may we repent and seek relational restoration. If we do find ourselves in the crosshairs of genuine persecution, may we rejoice, wisely stand our ground, and be glad to be so gallantly used for Christ’s glory and our own ultimate eternal blessing.
Father, supernaturally place in our hearts a deep burden for those who persecute us, yielding love that never gives up prayerful hope for their wayward or lost souls.
In Christ,
Blessings!
Matthew 5:10-12
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 3:19-20
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
John 8:12
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
II Corinthians 2:15-16
15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.
Matthew 5:43-45a
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.