In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted.

— 2 Timothy 3:12

As we explore what it means to be witnesses for Jesus, it is important to talk about the cost of witnessing. Did you know that in the Bible the Greek word for “witnesses” is martyres, which also gives us the word “martyr”?

Since the beginning of the church, there has been strong opposition to the Christian faith. The New Testament includes many stories of the persecution of Christians. And persecution continues today. Christianity Today magazine reported that about 13 Christians worldwide are killed every day because of their faith. In addition, 12 Christian buildings or churches are attacked, and 12 Christians are unjustly arrested each day. More than 360 million Christians in the world live with some kind of persecution or oppression because of their faith. They all bear witness to their faith and trust in Jesus as their living hope and Savior.

In 2 Timothy, Paul describes the ways he was persecuted, and he says that believers can expect persecution for living “a godly life in Christ.” But he offers hope too. Although he faced many persecutions, Paul said, “The Lord rescued me from all of them.”

Paul also reassures us that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and that it trains and equips us to face all kinds of worldly obstacles as we live “through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, please protect all of your servants around the world today. Comfort them as they encounter persecution, and work through them to shine your light to people everywhere. Amen.