Mercy and Enemies
The reality of persecution raises important questions. How should disciples of Jesus react, especially when persecuted by the State? Is resorting to anger or acts of civil disobedience appropriate, or should they instead emulate examples from the life of Christ? In his teachings, he warned all men who decided to follow him to expect “ tribulation ,” and he summoned them to follow his path (“ If they persecuted me, so they will persecute you ”).