Persecution?

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH; He was lead as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH.

Do we often believe that we as Christ followers are persecuted just because we say “we are christians,”? Do we believe christains are being persecuted because there are those telling us we are being persecuted? The name “christian” came about because people could tell by their speech and their actions they were Christ followers because they followed Jesus teachings. Can people truly see us as Christ followers by our words and actions? Can they distinguish us as Christ followers or do they only see hypocrisy? They see all those who have made claims and yet their behavior has proven otherwise. Yes, one bad apple can spoil a whole bunch. Just like nonbelievers have a reputation for doing right or wrong so do those of us who claim to be Christ followers. Are we perfect? No, we are not perfect but when we make a mistake we can still own it and do our best to correct it. Repent and do what is good and right.

Proverbs 25:26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a muddy spring and a polluted well.

Proverbs 18:19 A Brother offended is harder to win than a strong city.

Proverbs 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you- unless indeed you are disqualified.

What fruit are we producing? What does our words say about us? Will we examine ourselves? We are none perfect and our tongues can be a world of sin or of love, kindness, gentleness, goodness, helpful, hopeful, and we can walk in the way of Jesus toward others.