The call we cannot ignore

Suffering for Christ is not an anomaly but the path our Lord told us to expect. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The Lord Jesus was direct: “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well” (John 15:20).

This is not cause for fear, but for faith. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). The promises of God are true, and His Word is sure.

Why their suffering is our business

We do not stand at a distance from the sufferings of Christ’s people. Scripture binds us to them in love: “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Their chains test our fidelity to the truth and to the family of God.

The privilege is real. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Philippians 1:29). When one member suffers, we all share the load, and Christ is magnified in our unity.

Praying in step with Scripture

Prayer is not a courtesy; it is warfare. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). The early church interceded without ceasing, and God moved: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5).

Consider focused, Scripture-shaped intercession:

- For open doors and bold speech: “Pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1; see also Colossians 4:3–4).

- For endurance and faithfulness under pressure (Revelation 2:10).

- For deliverance from wicked men and unjust systems (2 Thessalonians 3:2; Psalm 140).

- For families of the persecuted, especially widows and children (James 1:27).

- For the salvation of persecutors (Matthew 5:44; Acts 9:1–18).

Practical ways to stand beside them

Love is tangible. The New Testament church accepted loss to meet needs: “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and lasting possession” (Hebrews 10:34).

A few faithful practices:

- Visit and encourage when possible: “I was in prison and you visited Me” (Matthew 25:36).

- Share resources discreetly and generously (Galatians 6:10; Philippians 4:14–19).

- Write, record, and relay testimonies wisely to strengthen the global church (2 Corinthians 1:3–7).

- Advocate truthfully, honoring governing authorities while fearing God above all (Romans 13:1–4; Acts 5:29).

- Partner with trustworthy ministries already embedded on the ground (Philippians 1:5).

Strengthened by the Word that cannot be broken

Suffering saints need more than our sympathy; they need Scripture. The Word anchors hope in promises that cannot fail. The apostles taught believers to expect trials and to rejoice in Christ’s fellowship through them (1 Peter 4:12–16; Romans 8:17–18).

Give the Word liberally and literally:

- Share passages that feed courage: Revelation 2–3; Psalm 27; Psalm 46; Romans 8.

- Equip with pocket Gospels, audio Bibles, and memory packs where print is risky (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).

- Remind them of the crown to come: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Preparing our churches for costly faithfulness

We care well for the persecuted when we disciple our own people to endure with them. A church grounded in sound doctrine will neither panic nor compromise when costs rise at home.

Pursue steady, long-haul readiness:

- Teach a biblical theology of suffering, not a pain-avoidant faith (1 Thessalonians 3:3–4).

- Practice body-life that bears burdens: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

- Train families and small groups to pray Scripture, fast, and act with wisdom and courage (Matthew 6:16–18; Acts 4:29–31).

- Normalize obedience that may bring loss, holding fast the good confession (Hebrews 10:23–25; Luke 9:23).

Joy and courage in the fires

Scripture shows joy and courage flourishing in affliction, not in its absence. The apostles rejoiced to suffer for the Name, and the church grew in purity and power (Acts 5:41–42; 2 Corinthians 4:7–12).

Our joy rests on unbreakable realities:

- Christ reigns over rulers and prison doors (Daniel 4:34–35; Acts 12).

- The Spirit supplies boldness and comfort (Acts 4:31; John 14:16–18).

- The harvest multiplies through faithful witness and patient endurance (John 12:24; Colossians 1:24–29).

Pressing on together

We keep a steady hand on the plow. The path is narrow, but the King is worthy, and the Word is true. We do not drift from our brothers and sisters; we draw near, and we do not let go.

Let us hold fast and take the next obedient step, confident that “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), and we do so together until He calls us home.

- Distinguish persecution for Christ’s sake from the trials common to life (1 Peter 4:14–16; James 1:2–4). Clarity helps us support wisely and speak truthfully.

- Avoid reckless heroics. Pursue courage yoked to prudence (Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 10:16).

Advocacy that honors both God and neighbor

- Honor rulers while insisting on truth and justice (Romans 13:1–4; Proverbs 31:8–9).

- Combine public advocacy with quiet, practical care, protecting believers’ identities and security (Proverbs 11:13; Matthew 10:23).

Ministering across borders and cultures

- Support indigenous leaders first. Entrust the gospel to faithful men who will teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

- Prioritize language-accurate Scripture and doctrinally sound resources (2 Timothy 1:13–14; Jude 3).

Security and stewardship in the digital age

- Practice digital discretion for at-risk believers. Limit names, locations, and images that can be traced (Proverbs 14:15; 27:12).

- Vet financial channels for transparency and safety; avoid patterns that create dependency (2 Corinthians 8–9; 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12).

Forming resilient disciples

- Root converts in the whole counsel of God and local church life, not personality-driven movements (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11–16).

- Train believers to read, memorize, sing, and pray Scripture so the Word travels even when pages do not (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16).

Loving enemies while defending the flock

- Pray for persecutors’ salvation and for protection of Christ’s sheep (Matthew 5:44; John 10:11–15).

- When commands conflict, obey God without arrogance or bitterness, accepting the cost and bearing witness (Acts 4:19–20; 5:29).

Suffering, mission, and the advance of the gospel

- Expect the gospel to run on paths of weakness and loss, yet triumph in power (2 Corinthians 12:9–10; Philippians 1:12–14).

- Hold fast to the promise that Christ will build His church and the gates of Hades will not prevail (Matthew 16:18).

Hope that steadies the soul

- Fix eyes on the appearing of Christ and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Timothy 4:8).

- Remember the promise of reward for persevering saints: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).