All of us would prefer to live a life free of persecution. No one wakes up thinking, “Wow, I hope someone will persecute me today!” But everyone who calls Jesus Lord knows persecution will come their way. For some, it will be physical, for some mental, and for others, it will be social persecution. No matter how it manifests itself, Jesus promises we will face persecution in this world (John 15:20).
For some, that one fact is enough to make them reject Christ. It’s a hard sell for most people. They can’t see past this life here and now and understand what they will gain by receiving Christ and holding fast until the end. The promise of persecution is enough to make anyone hesitant and nervous. Jesus knew the persecution that was coming, and He didn’t flinch. Instead, He embraced it for you.