What Jesus said is powerful, comforting and encouraging! After my renewed dedication to follow Jesus and commit to clean-living five years ago 'its' been happening anywhere and everywhere, inside or outside of church, at all times, & alas I'm often tempted to feel distraught at, paranoid, or expectant of, any real or perceived persecution. The reason I call it persecution is because it is coming from people and not from circumstances. I am a little afraid around people especially groups.
My family have agreed that what I believe to have been experiencing, possibly for 12 years, is most likely 'social persecution' or a 'persecution-spirit'. I haven't even told anyone I'm Christian in most cases but maybe they could tell. In my case: workplace harrassment in almost every job, unwanted negative attention, personal attacks, group rejection, singling out, rude comments from strangers, slander, harsh judgement, etc.
I previously used depression, anxiety, social isolation, alcohol & prescription drug dependance, disliking and complaining about people (even though we should love people), actively pursuing retaliation or revenge, and struggling with anger or trying to be 'tough' to deal with it. Perhaps this is all just growing pains so to speak in my Christian walk. After reading Christian literature now I'm aware of who the real enemy is, I'm feeling more readily forgiving. I am more able to 'walk away' and respond more graciously with less anguish, and I'm constantly learning to die to 'self'. the control is in God's hands.
