ABC's of Godly Character - P

P is for Perseverance and Persecution! Perseverance is the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult; continued effort, despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Persecution is to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; to cause suffering because of belief.  As our world continues to drift further away from God we, as Christians, will have to persevere because of persecution. Jude was Jesus’ half-brother and James’ brother. His writing in Jude 1:17-25 says “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” We have the power and strength of the Holy Spirit in us to help us during hard times. We should live close to God and His Word and not listen to false teachers or temptations in this world that want to pull us away from our faith. We should also help others come to know Christ and His Power so they can persevere during persecution also. We should hate sin but love unsaved sinners and want them to also have eternal life. Our perseverance and willingness to witness could mean life or death, heaven or hell, for someone we know. We don’t have to be afraid about persecution and the end of this world if we trust God and are rooted in His Word.

Prayer starter: Dear Lord, please help me to stand up for what I believe and to have Your Strength in me to stand strong when I am persecuted. Help me to boldly witness to others in this world and to share my faith with them. You know the temptations I face, and I know You can give me power over them through the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your passion and love for others today. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to not fear this world, but to stand strong and persevere when you are persecuted. Will you share your faith with someone today?