I saw a very disturbing video a moment ago of how they persecuted some Christians in one African country. I do not know the country nor the background of the persecutors. But they kicked four old Christians, put them in a hole they dug for the public to see, and threw burning bush on them. The persecutors (young men) jumped into the hole on the victims at the beginning of the fire and when one Christian tried to come out they kicked her in her face back in. The public looked on and did nothing. No police was present.
Paul says, “my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," (2 Timothy 3:11-12).
In our so-called modern world there are still all kinds of persecutions. Not only of those with a religious lifestyle, but of those with lifestyles different from the majority of the public. Can we not agree to be disagreeable? If we respect the view of another that differs from our own, we are exercising our right and freedom to have our own opinion while we allow the other to live out their rights freely.
This is a truth that should be instilled in the hearts and minds of all. A recent news showed where three young men, without provocation of the victim who was autistic, they bullied him and beat and kicked him. The behavior of the person challenged with autism is not what many are accustomed too, this is why this month of April many countries celebrates and have programs on Autism Awareness. The 2nd April was declared by the United Nations, The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). Activities are planned in many countries every year “to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”
But if the general and Christlike truth is known and taught and put into our hearts, minds and spirits that we must love all people regardless of differences in culture, creed, education background, and lifestyle, then we will be moving closer toward closing the gaps in reducing senseless and wicked persecutions. The Bible says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:11-12, NIV).