I hate it when people deliberately belittle my religious beliefs and opinions.

Trust me, I get this a lot. I study in a well-known freethinking and modernist university here in the Philippines. Everyday, I come across a hodgepodge of atheists/ nonbelievers, agnostics, people of other religious denominations, crazy scientists who only believe in their quantum theories, nonpracticing Christians, and a lot more. Many times too, I’ve been challenged to a debate (although sometimes indirectly) by these people.

It’s always a struggle to resist slapping them to reality, because I still respect what they believe in. Imposing your opinions on someone is not a good idea to win them over.

So what do I do in the face of these struggles/ persecutions?

1. PRAY

—-Do not pray that they may change their minds, but pray for guidance and strength for YOURSELF. Pray that your faith won’t waver, and that you’ll stand against the trials and emerge victorious in God’s name.

2. STUDY

—-Not in the usual context of studying, but re-study the Bible. Re-read your favorite quotes, write devotions, basically re-learn the basics. Why? It serves as a reminder why you’re HERE in the first place. Admittedly, there are times that I actually begin to believe what they were saying against my religion, but NO! Fight those! Remember why you love God and why you chose to serve Him. Always strengthen your resolve.

3. MINISTER

—-I know some people who persecute others deliberately because deep inside, they just want to be ministered to. Those people are lost and they need you to get them BACK on track again. They need people to prove to them that God really exists. Whatever reason they have doesn’t matter. If you’re a true disciple of God, you’ll voluntarily become the bridge between Him and others. 

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” Matthew 5:10

“It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:7

The Bible says that we’ll always encounter persecutions from other people, especially during the period when your faith is getting stronger.

Friends, never, ever surrender in this fight, in this war. Because THIS is the only war worth fighting for.