When the departure time of our Lord Jesus drew near, He told His disciples such things as would befall them, so they would not be caught unawares. The fact that the disciples would suffer hatred was central to this particular discussion. John 15:20 says:
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

Jesus warned His disciples ahead that the world would hate them because it had hated Him first. Jesus suffered hatred in the form of defamation, misrepresentation, rejection, harassment, assault, abuse, crucifixion and finally, murder. In essence, Jesus made it clear that His disciples should be prepared to receive similar treatment from the people. This prophecy was not limited to those physically present with Him at that time, but applies to all who will come after Jesus and live as true disciples.

Christians are presently suffering untold hardship, insecurity, harassment, brutality, assault and murder in various parts of the world. Indeed, Jesus said that a time was coming when a person would kill a Christian and consider it a favour to God (John 16:2)

If you are a true child of God, you should be able to declare like Paul in Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Romans 8:17 says “….If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

It is indeed a privilege to partake of the Lord’s suffering. No matter the hardship or persecution you are facing. Count it all joy (James 1:2-3)

May the Lord grant you the grace to overcome in times of persecution. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who partake in His suffering. You will surely make it, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.