In your role as a Christian leader, have you endured some form of persecution? I’m not talking about the kind of persecution Jesus endured or about Paul, who was beaten with rods or whips. But have you been subjected to modern-day persecution?
These days persecution of Christians takes many forms. Christians have been denied jobs and services in restaurants because of their faith, as well as advancement opportunities at work. And sadly, because of their faith, Christians are commonly the targets of bullying on social media.
Recently, I was the target of a vicious attack on social media. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I was unprepared for the persecution and did not handle it as well as I would have liked.
I was in a private Facebook group devoted to business topics when someone asked about something in the news that day. I responded to the question with my faith-based opinion. It took seconds for the hate and vitriol to start coming in. Within minutes, a mob of anti-Christians threatened me via cyberspace. Their goal was to cancel me and my business and run me “out of town,” as it were!
I was so surprised and unprepared for the attack that rather than courageously defend my Biblical position, I sheepishly left the group, never to return.
I wish I had had the presence of mind at that moment to call to mind Peter’s advice to fellow believers as he warned them to be prepared to suffer for their faith.
Peter’s Advice to Believers Facing Persecution
Peter began his instruction by saying that believers should not repay evil for evil or insult with insult but with a blessing (1 Peter 3:9). With that as the foundation, Peter describes how believers should behave in the face of persecution (1 Peter 3:13-17.
1. Zeal (v.13–14).
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. (1 Peter 3:13-14)
The first step in dealing with persecution is to be eager to do what is right and good. The word “eager” is better translated as “zealous.” We should zealously pursue doing what is right and good.
Sadly, some Christians with weak values have a “could care less” attitude toward doing what is right and good. Others have a selfish attitude. They will do what is right and good if it benefits them. And some have a false attitude. As such, they profess to believe in doing right and good publicly but privately do what they want.
Next, Peter tells us that believers who zealously do what is right and good are less likely to suffer persecution, but if we suffer persecution for doing what is good and right, we will be blessed by God.
2. Dedication (v.15).
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15a)
The second step in dealing with persecution is to fill and focus our hearts on Christ. The greatest of all hopes, our hope of salvation, lies in our faith in Jesus’ promise as the Son of God. The light and momentary trials of this world should never be so great that we would deny Him. Only through our dedication to Him through faith can we stand firm against persecution.
3. Witnessing (v.15).
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15b)
The third step in dealing with persecution is always to be prepared to explain our faith with gentleness and respect.
First, note that we must be prepared. That means we need to be ready ahead of time. We must know why we believe what we believe and must be able to articulate the reason for our faith in Christ.
Second, we must be prepared to answer everyone. That means friends, foes, strangers, employees, and coworkers. Everyone!
Finally, we must be able to explain our faith with a spirit of gentleness and respect.
4. Conscience (v.16–17).
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
The final step in dealing with persecution is for the believer to have and keep a clear conscience before God. That means our walk must match our talk. The fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) must be alive and active in our lives.
The righteous behavior of the believer will vindicate them in this world or the next. It is better for the believer to bear up under persecution keeping a clear conscience before God, than to fall away from God and follow the evil of the world.
Our Response to Persecution
Peter intentionally offered these instructions about preparing for and responding to persecution.
He begins by saying we must zealously do what is right and good in the eyes of the Lord. Next, we must fill our hearts with Christ and His promise of salvation. Then, with our hearts full of the Spirit of God, we must be prepared to share our faith humbly and respectfully with anyone who asks. And finally, our actions must always reflect our faith in Christ in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.
Living zealously for Christ may invite persecution, but in the end, it is more important for the believer to live according to God’s principles and be willing to share our hope in God with others than to concern ourselves with the possibility of persecution that might come our way in the world.
I am reminded again of Jesus’ admonition recorded in Matthew: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). As believers, we must let our light shine before men even in the face of persecution from the world.
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a useful framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- What are some common forms of persecution that Christian leaders face in today’s world, and how can they prepare to respond to such persecution?
- What is Peter’s advice to believers facing persecution, and how can leaders apply it to their own lives and situations?
- How can leaders maintain their dedication to Christ in the face of persecution, and why is this important?
- How can leaders be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks about their faith, and what are some key principles for doing so with gentleness and respect?
- How can leaders ensure that their actions always reflect their faith in Christ, and what are some practical steps they can take to keep a clear conscience before God in the face of persecution?
More Articles
I have written several articles recently on a leader’s character. You can find them by typing “Character” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #492: Do You Have What It Takes to be A Powerful Biblical Leader?
- #491: Biblical Leadership Is Serious Business Not to Be Entered into Lightly!
- #487: Wise Workplace Disciples Have These 5 Character Traits in Common
- #484: Do You Recognize These 9 Warning Signs of a Failing Leader?
- #473: Are All Leaders Prone to Failure?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Have you endured persecution because of your faith, and if so, how did you deal with it?
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Witnessing can be the hard one. Non-believers view witnessing as proselytizing. And if you quote the Bible, which they view as a fairy tale, it only irritates them more. Thus, sometimes witnessing, depending on the audience, requires a deft hand. Actions more than words, at least initially. Kindness in the face of criticism. Metaphors and stories over direct scripture quotes. Sometimes, I think, Christians must invite others onto the porch for some iced tea and relaxing conversation, before leading their guests into the house.
I agree, John. The idea of witnessing, especially in the workplace, must be handled, as you say, “deftly.” The premise of 1 Peter 3:15 is that someone is coming to you with a question about your faith. In that case, you need to be prepared to give an answer for your faith. The best way to make someone feel comfortable enough to come and ask that first question is to build a relational bridge. Openness and trust come after a relationship is established.