1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” ~ Acts 9:1-5
Saul didn’t physically persecute Jesus, yet when he persecuted the Christians, the followers of Christ, Jesus told him that he was persecuting Him. Why? Remember what Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”
When people persecute you because of your faith, it’s not because they hate you. It’s because they hate He who sent you. Even if they cry that they love Jesus or the Father, but persecute His Church, then the love of God is not in them. Their hatred is not truly for you but for what you stand for. Who you are imitating. Who you have built your life on. That is who they truly hate.
So, when the world attacks you for following Jesus, don’t be discouraged. For Jesus was persecuted and even murdered, yet He overcame the world. And because He overcame, we will overcome as well.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Overcome the World.
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