One of the few promises about earthly life is set forth in the New Testament. It is a guarantee that people will suffer until Jesus returns. Some people are lucky to live in a country where people suffer regardless of their faith. For many centuries, and even today, equating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can lead to political repression, social persecution, and martyrdom.
As a united body, Christians around the world empathize with our brothers and sisters who are experiencing persecution and suffering in order to walk with the Lord. They want to help, but they don’t know what they can do for people who live on the other side of the world or who don’t have access behind political ideologies or borders.
Ultimately all Christians must rely on God, but Paul called on believers to respond:
“Here is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation offering for our sins. Beloved, God loves us so much! If we love one another, then we also should love one another. For if we love one another, God will dwell in us, and His love will be perfected in us.” (1 John 4:10-12) From prayer to advocacy, there are things Christians can do to help their fellow persecuted people.
Persecution began immediately after the ascension of Jesus Christ. The first martyr was Stephen, who preached in the streets. The Jews around him threw stones at him for blasphemy.
“Now when they heard these things they were furious, and gnashing their teeth against Him. But Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God…And as they were stoning Stephen, Jesus cried out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit.'” And he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not impute this sin to them!” And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:54-60).
Sometimes we feel hopeless, like we can’t do anything to support our brothers and sisters who are suffering. God assures his people that he loves them and sees them, but he also encourages Christians to love and support one another. Even if you are far away, there are ways to support persecuted believers through prayer and practical action.
prayer for persecuted believers
Here are four things Christians in safe countries can pray for in support of persecuted believers.
1. Pray for political change in your area.
The prophet Daniel said, “Blessed be the name of the God of wisdom and power forever and ever. He changes times and seasons, removes kings, and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:20b-21a). We can pray for Christians in countries where political leaders oppose the free practice of Christianity. We can pray for a change of leadership to alleviate their suffering and pray that God will bring about this change of government.
2. Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit
Sometimes people are born into persecution and end up spending their whole lives in it. One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is Comforter. This Trinity is the One whose presence dwells within each Christian and can give them the assurance that they are not alone. God hears the prayers of those who love Him and helps people become more sensitive to the movements of the Spirit. Praying for persecuted Christians to become more sensitive to the comfort of the Holy Spirit is important in order to be exalted in the Holy Spirit.
3. Pray for evangelism opportunities for persecuted Christians.
One of the great mysteries of our world, especially in the 20th century, is that persecution can actually lead to non-believers being saved and coming to Christ. In the Soviet Union, the underground church was strong and experienced growth. Pray that God will use this temporary suffering to save souls from hell and bring glory to God.
4. Pray for the salvation of persecutors
The flesh instinctively wants to hurt, take revenge, and not forgive, but the Bible shows us over and over again that God’s will is to forgive and to see all people repent and turn to Him. One of the greatest missionaries of the early church was Paul, also known as Saul. He was filled with anger and was persecuting Christians. However, it is believed that he repented and grew to love God and his fellow believers, eventually becoming a martyr. To be like Christ is to desire to see our persecutors turn away from sin and wickedness and become Christians ourselves.
3 Practical Ways to Help Persecuted Christians
Here are three things Christians in safe countries can do to provide practical support to persecuted believers.
1. Support missionaries
There are many ways to support missionaries who work to impact persecuted Christians. Whether you support a missionary you know personally, support their business, give through your church, give through a private missionary organization, or give through a denominational partnership program, giving to missionaries gives them the resources to continue their work supporting persecuted Christians.
2. Purchase items to donate to nonprofit organizations that work with persecuted believers.
Although Christians should not focus on worldly possessions, sometimes meeting material needs can be a true blessing. Whether it’s clothing, food, digging a well, or other items, relief can make a difference in their lives and let them know they are loved by their brothers and sisters far away.
3. Find ways to drive meaningful change from your country
In some cases, it is possible for Christians to try to effect change by participating in political movements and issues in countries or regions where they are persecuted. Petitions can make a difference, and so can voting for politicians whose policies align with changing geopolitical approaches. We can advocate for change and let God show us how we can work to bring about meaningful change. But we must also understand that true persecution will not stop until Jesus returns for his Millennial Reign.
bible verses about persecution
There are many Bible verses about persecution, including but not limited to:
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Luke 6:22 – “Blessed are you when people will hate you and exclude you and revile you and despise your name as an evildoer because of the Son of Man.”
John 15:18 – “If the world hates you, know that before it hates you, it hates me.”
2 Timothy 3:12-13 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted; while evildoers and impostors will grow worse and worse, being deceived and deceived.”
1 Peter 4:12-14 – “Beloved, do not be surprised if fiery trials come upon you to test you, as if some strange thing had happened to you. But rejoice, inasmuch as you share in the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice and rejoice when the glory of Christ is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and God rests on you.”
Revelation 6:9-11 – “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony that they had given. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘Holy and true Sovereign, how long ago did you judge, who dwell on the earth? Will you avenge our blood on us?’ Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little longer until his fellow servants and brothers were all killed like themselves.”
Although all believers are called to perseverance, and some must experience greater hardship than others, Christians are united as the body of Christ. Keeping our suffering brothers and sisters around the world in our prayers and finding opportunities to change or alleviate their situations is how we can provide support. One day we will all be forever free from persecution and rejoice together in heaven.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/franckreporter
Bethany Berrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband live all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog at graceandgrowing.com.
