"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:10-12 NIV
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted...."
2 Timothy 3:12
Christian persecution is...
"...any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus. That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends, and communities.
"Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food, and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment, and even death."
"The Pew Research Center has found that Christians are harassed in more places than any other religious group. The number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years."
And according to the United States Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ.
- Statistics and quotes from opendoorsus.org
In 2023:
- Statistics from opendoorsus.org
World Watch List 2023
These numbers are heart-breaking. And yet, they do not tell the whole story.
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
That joy is what we see when we hear and work with Christians all over the world who suffer because they serve Jesus. God cares for His people, and He will never leave or forsake them.
