Why Do The Godly Suffer Persecution In This Life?
All those who are godly will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Are you living the godly life or the fleshly life?
Not all believers live godly
When you fight with others or refuse to walk in godly behaviour yourself and fall into various problems in the family, church or work environment that’s not for righteousness or God’s sake.
Squabbling over worldly matters, earthly family, land, other wealth-related, seeking a reputation and status in this world, etc. is a fleshly lifestyle. You are dead and not living the godly life.
Only those who follow Jesus suffer persecution
God calls his people blessed when they suffer for Him.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:10,11)
Material blessings aren’t part of His eternal plan because it is temporary (John 6:27). He’s building a people for Himself.
Jesus was persecuted, and so will believers be persecuted (John 15:20).
We need to be willing to bear much fruit for the glory of God, in this life. Every good fruit bearing believer follows the lifestyle of his Master. Like Jesus suffered and bore fruit for God, we too will find ourselves doing the same.
Those willing to pray for persecutors alone will live happily forever. Loving our enemies is the normal lifestyle for believers.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)
Are you ready to live today to do His perfect will? Time is short; Jesus is coming soon. Praise God and Amen!