In what ways can we support those facing opposition for their faith today? Jeremiah Shares Our Struggle “Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin in the House of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 20:2) Jeremiah’s humiliation in the public stocks reminds us that faithful believers have always faced ridicule, violence, and isolation. His experience becomes a pattern for how we respond when brothers and sisters meet opposition today. Seeing Their Suffering Through God’s Eyes • 1 Corinthians 12:26—“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” Opposition to another believer is opposition to the whole body. • Hebrews 13:3—“Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.” We do not watch from a distance; we enter their pain. • Matthew 25:40—serving persecuted believers is serving Christ Himself. Practical Ways to Stand Alongside the Persecuted 1. Consistent, focused prayer • Acts 4:24–31 shows the church gathering to pray when Peter and John were threatened. • 2 Corinthians 1:11—“You help us by your prayers.” – Set phone alarms, church prayer chains, or family devotions that name specific believers under pressure. 2. Encouraging presence and words • 2 Timothy 1:16—Onesiphorus “often refreshed” Paul and “was not ashamed of my chains.” – Visit the jailed or fined. – Send letters, texts, or recorded messages of Scripture and personal affirmation. – Publicly celebrate their faithfulness so they know they are not alone. 3. Material and legal support • James 2:15-16 warns against empty compassion. – Provide meals, childcare, transport to court hearings. – Raise bail or fines; hire legal counsel where possible. – Partner with trustworthy ministries that specialize in aiding persecuted Christians. 4. Advocacy and wise use of influence • Proverbs 31:8—“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Contact representatives, sign petitions, or leverage social media to spotlight injustice. – Share accurate stories (with permission) to rally broader Christian and civic support. 5. Hospitality and safe refuge • Romans 12:13—“Pursue hospitality.” – Open homes to believers expelled from family or employment. – Churches can designate benevolence funds and emergency housing. 6. Strengthening them in the Word • Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 4:12-14; Psalm 56. – Gift sturdy print Bibles where they are scarce. – Record audio Scripture for closed areas. – Study passages on suffering together by phone or online. 7. Celebrating eternal perspective • Matthew 5:10-12—those persecuted “for righteousness’ sake” are blessed. • Philippians 1:12-14—Paul’s chains actually advanced the gospel. – Remind sufferers (and ourselves) that God fashions opposition into testimony. Putting It Into Motion as a Community • Assign small-group champions who track specific persecuted individuals or regions and report needs weekly. • Rotate a “Jeremiah Box” in homes: every family keeps persecuted believers in view by praying over letters, photos, or news clippings inside. • Mark the church calendar with an annual day of fasting and worship focused on the persecuted. • Share follow-up stories so that answered prayers fuel more faith and action. Living the Lesson of the Stocks Jeremiah left the stocks battered yet unbroken because the living God remained with him. When we step toward today’s persecuted saints—through prayer, presence, provision, advocacy, hospitality, and Scripture—we become visible proof of that same faithful God. |
    |