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Peter wrote, 'If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you' (1 Peter 4:14).
Enduring the mistreatment of others because of our faith should be considered a privilege, not something to complain about. After Peter and John were beaten for preaching the gospel, 'they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name' (Acts 5:41).
Paul told Timothy that 'all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution' (2 Timothy 3:12). Being mistreated is part of what it means to be a Christian. Paul called it participating in the sufferings of Christ. Rather than seeking to end it, we ought to be seeking God for grace to endure it with a good spirit.
When Paul prayed that his persecutions would be stopped, the Lord answered Him by saying, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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