Understanding Persecution

Christians know that they are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. However, occasionally Christians fail to realize that in order to be a conqueror, there must be something or someone to conquer and overcome. Persecution is an area where we must learn to overcome. Of course, there are different degrees of persecution. In the United States, for instance, we do not know the kind of persecution experienced by Christians in other lands. But the Word of God does not give us different principles for overcoming these varying degrees of suffering by persecution. Jesus suffered much persecution in His ministry, even to the point of being executed by His enemies. But was He overcome by it? No! He arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave. Neither did He let it affect His life and attitudes. Even at the cross, He cried out for forgiveness for His enemies.