Article November 8, 1999 Issue

Love in the face of persecution

What happened when I didn't agree to go on strike

By Nancy Ruth Mack

How Does One love in the face of antagonism? And perhaps more to the point, why? What possible benefit is there in striving to love those who hold us in contempt?

Jesus promises blessing for who are persecuted. He said: "What happiness will be yours when people blame you and ill-treat you and say all kinds of slanderous things against you for my sake! Be glad then, yes, be tremendously glad—for your reward in Heaven is magnificent. They persecuted the prophets before your time in exactly the same way" (J. B. Phillips translation, Matt. 5:11,12).

There have been times when I've found that hard to believe. And I've not been sure I wanted to endure hell now just to be able to enjoy heaven at some other time. However, I caught a hint of the power of this promise when I chose not to go on strike with my co-workers.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Love in the face of persecution

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access