Persecution
Christians are constantly being persecuted either agressively or partially in countries like Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Tibet, East Timor, Sudan, India, China, and so on. Some of the stories are gross and full of tragedy. For those Christian brothers and sisters who are under intense persecution, we must find strength in the words of Paul as he tells us about the life led by Christ. Christ led a life filled with sacrifice and suffering, yet He was ever conscious of God's presence which surrounded Him with love, peace and joy. His death on the cross was that of an ordinary criminal who was falsely charged and sentenced. Christ has been exalted by God above all things in heaven and earth. Do we have this attitude that was in Christ who humbled Himself and took the form of a servant? One day Christ will return, are we prepared to meet Him?
Philippians 2:5-11
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
2 comments:
One cannot ask for greater diversity in religion than in India where we have a Kalam as President, Manmohan as Prime minister and Sonia as leader of Congress. We had Indira Gandhi to lead the country as the Prime Minister. By and large India is a country that allows all religions to live peacefully. However there are areas where they are attacked, harrassed and even murdered.
There many cases where doctors in mission hospitals are harassed by the radicals living in and around the community.
The case that stands out in recent times in my mind is the words of forgiveness from Gladys Stanes which still echoes in my mind. This was probably one of the gravest of them in recent times. She not only forgave those who attacked and killed her husband and children but also said she would continue to serve the community of leprosy patients she and her husband had set out to serve.
Christ has asked us to forgive our persecutors, pray for them and continue to serve them in love.
Reference - Stanes Case
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/121/32.0.html
Christians should be prepared to suffer as Christ had to suffer.
In many countries Christians are persecuted even today. In India persecution is varied from time to time and place to place. Even recent times many Christian workers were attacked and murdered.Many churches in Gujarat were destroyed by extremists and fanatics. This was reported in newspapers.
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