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Why Should the Free Care?
If you are living today free from religious persecution, why should you care about this issue? For starters we are asked to remember those suffering from persecution. Secondly, persecution is more complex than you might imagine. We need to remember those suffering persecution long past today’s news headlines.
Did you realize that over 75% of the world’s population is living with high restrictions on their practice of religion? Can you name the four countries that are among the top ten countries for the worst persecution, greatest corruption, AND the least peace? Would you be surprised that social hostility against religion is higher in Britain than it is in China? Persecution is not a fringe issue and it is not relegated to those suffering for Christ in a prison far away. Persecution is a daily reality for billions and it is a defining feature of our Christian faith. Use today’s Missiographic to look through four key lenses on persecution and consider how God wants you to respond.
Personal Reflection: Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why should the free care?” Maybe you have asked that as a person who lives with significant freedom. Or you might have asked that question as someone facing oppression and wondering if anyone cares. We know that persecution will be a reality until Jesus returns, but our hearts ache as we suffer or as others around the world struggle against evil forces. Once you better understand persecution, then you will naturally ask God what He would have you do based on where you sit today. How can you pray more intelligently? What cause could you get involved in to advocate for those who are suffering? What is God teaching you through your own experience with persecution?
Prayer: Dear God, You call on us to remember those suffering from persecution with deep empathy. Help us to see beyond our own situation to the suffering and pain of others. We ask that You would rescue those we know who are being persecuted, and be with those we do not know as they face danger and oppression. Help us to seek You even when we are being personally oppressed, and give us the faith to trust You completely no matter what we are called to endure. Amen
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About this Plan
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 25 that He wants us to value the least among us. Those who follow Jesus will be doing this throughout their lives. Are you? This 7-day reading plan gives us lots to think about—based in facts and research—concerning the needs of indigenous peoples, the impoverished, those being persecuted, those in need of clean water, and more. Dive into a thought-provoking week of considering how you can better value the least among us!
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