Devotion #4: Out of Place?

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:14, 17 

Persecution can take on many forms. We often expect it to be loud and overt, but sometimes it is quiet, subtle, and just as harmful. Paul addresses persecution in Romans, but the Bible is full of guidance on what to expect and how to respond. 

Persecution should not be a surprise to us. In 1 Peter 4:12–14, we read, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 

I do not know about you, but I certainly do not feel “blessed” when I encounter hostility toward the things of God. Yet, when I look back on those moments, I can clearly see how God’s presence was unmistakably with me. That is a true blessing, to know that the very presence of God is resting within us. What greater response could we ask for from Him than to experience and feel His nearness in those difficult times? 

Jesus talks about this in John 15:19–20, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they keep my word, they will also keep yours.” 

We face persecution because we do not truly belong here. Have you ever found yourself in a place where you felt out of place? It is like accidentally walking into the wrong public restroom. That would be so embarrassing, right? It is at that moment when you realize, “This is not where I should be.” It is no surprise that others notice and react. Similarly, we do not belong in this world, and that should be obvious. Our lives should stand out as noticeably different from the world around us. The world’s reaction to us is simply a reflection of what they are missing. Our lives should mirror the very thing we long for but cannot quite grasp. 

So, how should we respond? If we look at Matthew 5:43-47, we see, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” 

We are called to love because, once again, we are not of this world, and our response should reflect God’s character. This response will provoke different reactions. Some will be drawn to the Gospel, while others may react with fear or even hatred. Yet, in Matthew, it is clear that God commands us to respond with love. He points to tax collectors, a despised group at the time, and says that even they love those who love them. However, if all we do is love those who love us back, how are we truly set apart? How are we reflecting God’s love, goodness, and, ultimately, the Gospel? True love goes beyond the easy, and it is through that love that we show the world something radically different. 

Let us look at 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

There are times when we feel defeated and weary by the world’s rejection of the Gospel, our faith, and our pursuit of holiness. Yet, God reassures us that His grace is more than enough for us. In the face of persecution, insults, or hardship, we can find contentment because when we rely on His strength and protection, we will endure. 

As the world grows increasingly distant from the things of God, we are reminded of what we can hold fast to. Scripture offers us this truth. Psalm 27:1-2 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” So, do not fear. Our refuge is in the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is our unwavering stronghold!