Christian Persecution: Called Trash, Chosen by God
- meetgodattheedgeof
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
“We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment.”— 1 Corinthians 4:13 (NLT)
This is an eye-opener.
Paul is referring to himself and the other disciples—those living lives fully surrendered in service to Christ. And yet, Christian persecution made them appear to the world as worthless. They were seen as disposable. Like trash that needed to be removed.
This is the reality of following Jesus. It can be discouraging and even cause us to stumble—especially when we care too much about how the world sees us. But the truth is, they don’t see what we see. Their eyes are covered.
We must fix our focus—not on culture’s opinion, but on what the Lord says. What we believe. What He calls us to. Because our efforts, no matter how overlooked or mocked, are not in vain.
The enemy does not like what you are doing. Christian persecution is often subtle in our daily lives—sometimes loud, sometimes quiet—but always real. Yet we don’t lose heart.
The Lord is our refuge. We serve an audience of One. We are not living to gain worldly status, applause, or comfort.
We don’t ask for pity. We understand that a life spent in service to Christ may not bring worldly wealth, recognition, or ease. In fact, Christian persecution often strips away those very things.
But our response to that rejection is what sets us apart. And it still changes hearts.
We respond with love. We respond with gentleness. Never with retaliation.
Even when we’re misunderstood, overlooked, or mistreated, we still carry the answer to all of their problems: Jesus.
Matthew Henry's Commentary beautifully captures the heart of this:
“We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God.”
Paul paints a vivid picture—likening their suffering to the brutal Roman arenas, where men were forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the crowd. Even the victors weren’t safe. They were just saved for another day, another battle. Christian persecution can feel like that—an unrelenting struggle watched by many who don’t understand.
But the eyes of others should encourage us—not to quit, but to endure with constancy and patience.
“Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.”— 1 Corinthians 4:10
Christian persecution doesn’t always look like imprisonment or danger. Sometimes it looks like being excluded. Mocked. Labeled foolish. But don’t let that shake you.
Stay the course.
Fix your eyes on Christ.
Keep responding in love.
