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Paper-Cut PERSECUTION

Second, if we make mistakes or treat people poorly in the name of God, it is not persecution when they attack us or Christianity as a result.

It is shameful, for example, to claim that we are “under siege” by some ambiguous “gay agenda,” citing how many LGBTQ people openly criticize and attack the church. The fact is that Western Christians have little idea what it has been like for the millions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people to live with such universal hatred and abuse, often at the hands of the church and in the name of Christ. That Christians have largely mistreated these people for centuries is not even debatable.

While hatred is never justified, it is not difficult to understand why we have been cast as the enemy. We have earned every bit of the distrust and anger directed toward us. Therefore, to call their attacks persecution is like willfully knocking down a hornets nest and then claiming innocence when getting stung.

It is important to name and repent of these kinds of dynamics whenever we see them. There is also a place for the prophetic rebuke of our fellow believers for perpetuating this way of thinking and acting.

However, we must also remember that the best rebuke of bad behavior is a life dedicated to living the better alternative. Now more than ever, the world needs to see an alternative witness from Christians—people willing to put themselves out there in humility and repentance, even when it is socially and religiously unpopular to do so.

Sadly, such faithfulness itself can result in suffering at the hands of other Christians. 

The final beatitudes foreshadow the inevitable suffering and death that comes with being true to the teachings and example of Jesus, for it points clearly to the cross. The undeniable sin and brokenness in the world, in our communities and in our hearts, mean that suffering and death are inevitable, even necessary.

However, we must remember that we are blessed! We can rejoice and be glad because not even death can stop the kingdom that is breaking forth. In fact, it is through death that the miracle of resurrection brings hope and salvation to all creation.