by[12] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. [13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Mark 13:12-13 (NIV)
During the days of the early church, believers in Christ were persecuted for their faith in a very fierce way that isn’t happening in this generation. People were burned to death because of their faith. Some were fried in oil (like John). Some were arrested and put to prison. Being a believer in those days was much more challenging than today, but it doesn’t mean persecution has stopped.
In Mark 12:13, Jesus said, “Everyone will hate you because of me …”. Think about that for a minute. If you are a believer, it means you’ve got enemies, whether you like it or not. Those enemies may not come into your life in plain sight. They can hang around you with itchy ears and wicked hearts, yet they are very hypocritical in their talk with you. Such is life. There are very few genuine people in this world, making trusting people increasingly hard in this generation.
You must live wisely in this perverse generation. Learn to keep your mouth shut about things in your life that ought to be secret. Standing for Christ isn’t easy in a world filled with wickedness (see 1 John 5:19). May the Lord give you support from Zion to walk in everyday victory in life.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love in my life. Help me to endure afflictions in my faith journey with You every day, even in days of discomfort. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 170
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