PERSECUTION – IT IS NOTHING NEW

The latest news about the arrest of two Nuns, Sis. Preethi Merry, Sis. Vandana Francis and Ms. Sukaman Mandavi, is stirring Christians all across India. They were arrested on 25 July, 2025, at the Durg railway station, in Chhattisgarh, on the complaint lodged by local religious fundamentalists, alleging that, the Nuns were involved in forceful conversion of three women from the state’s tribal-dominated Narayanpur district and trafficking them. As on date, these Nuns are held in police custody, and the case is pending in the courts. 
– “It is unjust, but only Christlike, to suffer persecution for doing what is right.” – Joyce Rachelle

Persecution of Christians is nothing new. It has happened in the past. It is happening now. It will happen in the future too. This is the reality, that we as Christians, have to expect from the world we live in. When we truly live for God, our LORD and Master, the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, there will be persecution, in some form or the other. Jesus Himself had said…
– “18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 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. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” – John 15:18-21

1- As Christians, we should not be surprised and shocked at persecution. 
2- We ought to be mentally and emotionally prepared for it.
3- The LORD in His grace and mercy will give us the required strength to go through this ordeal.
4- In His mysterious ways, the LORD will send help to rescue His children, just like He did with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – Daniel 3. 
5- Even if the LORD, in His wisdom, does not choose not to help us, He will give us the required strength, to withstand the persecution, just like He did with Stephen – Acts 6:7-7:60. 
6- Meanwhile we are called to love, pray and bless those who persecute us…
– “43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48
7- Some have begun to count the non-violent approach of Christians, as the LORD had taught us, and the apostles preached and practiced, to the extent of paying the price with their own lives, as weak approach. Sadly we are disobedient to the LORD and the explicit scriptures that teach us to be nonviolent.
– “9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good…14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:9,14,17-21

Whatever the case…
– “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. “ – Hebrews 12:1b-2

May we be found faithful children of God in the face of persecution, walking in the oath that the LORD our Redeemer has Himself walked. 
– “36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” – John 18:36
Even so the LORD help us.