Persecution is nothing new for Christians. Christians have been persecuted since the beginning of the religion. Jesus, our Savior, was persecuted to the point of being crucified. His followers were beheaded by Romans, burned in oil, crucified (upside-down), imprisoned, and stoned. They were treated terribly and martyred, and yet they did not lose faith or complain. They proudly proclaimed the Gospel, rejoicing even in the midst of persecution.

Christians around the world are being heavily persecuted to this day. As we all know, thousands of Christians are being murdered in the Middle East. Refugees are being forced to leave their countries because of their faith, and are even harassed when they reach "safety." The Church in China faces threats, destruction and even death. Churches in many countries have to meet in secret for fear of being killed because of their faith. However, these Christians continue to face these torments with unwavering courage and strength, even to the end.

Truth be told, there is persecution happening in the United States as well; people are shot in schools for being Christians, gunman are killing congregants and churches are being burned down.

However, I think that many people have the wrong understanding of persecution. Here in the US, we think that when we are persecuted we have to attack back against those who are against us. We boycott, we sign petitions, we write angry Facebook statuses and tirade against anyone who may be in opposition. We also consider it persecution when anyone who is unsaved acts in any way we do not approve of.

Whatever happening to turning the other cheek? What happened to “blessed are the meek”?

I am not saying that some incidences in popular cultures are not in opposition to what Christianity believes. However, when did it become our job to bash people over the head with our Bibles instead of loving them? When did it become or duty to berate people we don't agree with? When did it become the norm to hold non-Christians to Christian standards? When did we become so sensitive and so whiny?

Jesus told us in Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and celebrate, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”

I see a lot of Christians complaining that they are being persecuted. What I do not see is people rejoicing in persecution. When was the last time you saw a Facebook status that said, “Wow, someone mocked me because of my faith today and I responded in a calm and loving manner; I think I’ll celebrate”? Never. I am almost positive that this has never been said by any of my Christians friends, or by anyone ever for that matter.

However, if we are truly sold out for Jesus and striving to follow Him, perhaps this should be the way we react. James said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance”(James 1:2, emphasis added), and “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”(James 1:12).

I recently read an article in "World Magazine" that I thought was profound. The article was an interview with a Chinese pastor, Wang Yi, who pastors a church called Chengdu Early Reformed Church in China. When asked what the goals of his church were, he responded, “Our purpose is not to avoid persecution but to bring both our faith and the persecution we face out into the open. If we are afraid, we shouldn’t keep that fear in secret, but we should bring it into the light and ask for God to help us.” I thought that this was an interesting perspective; Yi does not want to avoid persecution as many of us would, but would rather use this persecution as a tool for God to work in his church. Wow.

Imagine what our churches could do if we would not fight against persecution, instead accepting it and responding with love while holding firm to our faith. What kind of impact would this have on the world around us? Perhaps then society would stop perceiving us as bigoted and hypocritical, and instead would see us as loving and humble.

My challenge to American Christians is this: consider it pure joy when you are persecuted. Don't back down against the threat persecution, but do respond with meekness, considering it an opportunity for Christ to shine His light through you. Turn the other cheek while continuing on in uncompromising faith and belief.