Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter – 1 Peter 4:16
Did you know that Christianity is the world’s most persecuted religion? If the figures being reported are true, then there were 360 million Christians who experienced high levels of persecution and discrimination in the past year!
Through this verse, Apostle Peter is exhorting the church not to consider it strange or be ashamed when we face various trials and sufferings in this world, as believers. Instead we should rejoice, and glorify God because we are considered worthy to suffer for His name. When the early church was persecuted for their faith, they rejoiced as they were considered worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).
Likewise, in these last days as persecution for Christians is on the rise, we need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be patient in suffering, so that we don’t compromise and give up, but be strong in our faith. Only through the Holy Spirit, will we be able to rejoice in the fact that we are partaking in Christ’s suffering!
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10