The Persecuted Church
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."
Devotion
While we worship freely, millions of our brothers and sisters suffer for the name of Christ. They gather in secret, whisper prayers in prison cells, and face death for refusing to deny their Savior. They are beaten, imprisoned, tortured, and killed—yet they do not recant. Their faith shames our complacency.
The writer of Hebrews commands us to remember them as though we ourselves were suffering. This is not mere sympathy but deep identification. We are one body—when one member suffers, we all suffer. Their persecution is our persecution. Their pain is our pain. Their courage should inspire our faithfulness.
What can you do? Pray without ceasing for the persecuted church. Support organizations that serve them. Speak out for their freedom. And examine your own heart—would you stand firm under such pressure? Let their example strengthen your resolve to remain faithful, no matter the cost.
Meditation Moment
Pray for Christians in North Korea, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and other nations where faith costs everything. Ask God to comfort those in prison, strengthen those facing death, and confound those who persecute the church. Pray for religious freedom globally. Ask God to give you courage to stand for Christ, even when it is uncomfortable.