Persecution or Judgement
The book of Acts records the apostle Paul being brought before Agrippa for preaching the gospel of Christ. Paul never wavered in his faith. Telling Agrippa his story. The book of Acts then records,
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26: 28,29.
Paul was being persecuted because he had said,
"...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20b.
Paul was not being persecuted for judging anyone. He was simply presenting the gospel of Christ to anyone who would listen. Calling on people to repent of their sins.
The religious leaders however disliked this and had him arrested.
Today sadly many people where I live in North America say they are being persecuted when if the truth be known they are not.
Many calling themselves Christians are judging others and trying to have the rights of others taken away. They have mixed politics and their faith. Thus people turn on them calling them in extreme cases judgmental bigots.
Remember Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.
So it should be no surprise that if you are judging someone they will judge you the same way. This is not persecution. It is simply the result of someone calling themselves a Christian who are judging others.
Billy Graham the late American evangelist said,
“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,
God’s job to judge
and my job to love,”
Billy Graham
If we are to be persecuted let us be persecuted for presenting the true Gospel of Christ. And not because we are judging others.
Please think about it.
