The word persecution, especially in religious circles, rings of abuse, atrocities, neglect and segregation as a result of religious leanings and choices. In most of our minds, these are usually in the form of killings and tortures or something as grim as that.
In modern society though, the persecution mostly experienced is subtle and covert. It challenges the truth you have encountered and will simply seek to render us inactive in the faith arising from hearing truth. And worst of all, it arises from those near and whom you might think should encourage and spur us to good works.