Persecution is a token that those persecuting us are under conviction. They realize that they are not living what our words or actions are advocating and in self defense, they attack us, who they think is the source of their conviction. If we understand this, it makes persecution much easier to take. They aren't just mad at us; they are convicted. When the gospel is presented in the power of the Holy Spirit, there will always be either revival or riot, but not indifference.
In the midst of persecution, Satan will try to convince us that the strife is all our fault. If he succeeds, then we back down and the pressure is off his followers.
Jesus suffered continual rejection and persecution, yet we know that the problem was not with Him, but with those who rejected Him.
Jesus makes it clear that persecution is an inevitable part of living a godly life, so that we will not fall under self-condemnation when rejection comes.
If our sinless Savior was rejected, then certainly we will be too. Don't feel guilty or condemned when persecution comes. The Word strips people of the disguises they have been hiding their sins behind, and the result is persecution.
