Persecution, Suffering, Discipleship
To follow Jesus means self-denial and a willingness to suffer, and for disciples, persecution is the highest honor – Matthew 5:10-12 . For his disciples, retaliation and violence are NOT appropriate reactions when persecution occurs. Rather than respond-in-kind, they must meet threats with humility, mercy, and especially love. That is what it means to “ deny yourself ” and “ take up his cross .” Praying for one’s “ enemies ” is contrary to the “ wisdom of this age ,” but it epitomizes the paradigm of Christ crucified - [ Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash ].
