In what ways can we ensure we are not "persecuting" Jesus in our actions? Meeting the Man on the Road “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). The risen Lord ties every slap, sneer, or cold shoulder aimed at His people directly to Himself. The Church is His body (1 Corinthians 12:27), so whatever touches one of His members touches Him. That single sentence gives us a sober checkpoint: if my behavior wounds a believer, I’m wounding Christ. How Persecution Shows Up in Ordinary Life •Open hostility—mocking, excluding, or attacking Christians (Acts 8:3). •Passive resistance—ignoring genuine needs (James 2:15-16). •Divisive speech—gossip, slander, or grumbling (Ephesians 4:29; James 4:11). •Spiritual sabotage—discouraging others from obedience or ministry (Matthew 23:13). •Withholding forgiveness—clinging to bitterness after God has forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). Guardrails That Keep Us from Hurting Him •Remember whose body you’re touching. “Whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). Keep a mental picture: every believer wears Christ’s name tag. •Filter words through grace. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). If it won’t edify, don’t release it. •Practice visible love. “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love is persecution’s opposite. •Stand with the afflicted. “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Advocacy and prayer place you on Jesus’ side. •Choose unity over preference. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Disunity is an indirect strike at Him. Daily Heart Checks •Am I nurturing any resentment toward a brother or sister? •Have my words today left others strengthened or scarred? •Did I overlook someone’s need I could have met? •Am I celebrating or undermining the work God is doing through others? •Would Jesus call my current attitude persecution or partnership? Positive Practices That Bless Jesus Instead •Encouragement: send a note, text, or call that builds up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). •Generosity: share resources with believers in need (Acts 4:34-35). •Service: volunteer in unnoticed ways—setup, cleanup, childcare (Mark 10:45). •Intercession: pray for pastors, missionaries, the persecuted church (Colossians 4:3). •Reconciliation: take the first step toward peace (Matthew 5:23-24). Scriptures to Keep in View Matthew 25:40—“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Romans 12:10—“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” Galatians 6:10—“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” 1 John 4:20—“For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” Persist in these paths and your life will echo not Saul’s opposition, but the loving allegiance of those who cherish Christ by cherishing His people. |
    |