Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

— 2 Timothy 3:12

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15:18-19

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

— 1 Peter 4:14

12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

13 when slandered, we entreat. ..

— 1 Corinthian 4:12-13a

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

— Romans 1:16

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

People everywhere long for connection and community, yet division often dominates our world. Differences in political views and theological perspectives often create tension and break relationships. Crime and corruption go unchecked, and tolerance is demanded, but only for what is popular. Those who follow Christ are often mocked and marginalized.

These challenges are not new. When Paul wrote from Corinth to the early Christians in Rome, they faced similar struggles. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned one of the most influential letters ever written – the book of Romans. In it, Paul explained the good news of Jesus and how the salvation He offers changes everything. The gospel has the power to bring all people from guilt to grace. Let’s dive deep into the book of Romans to discover how it speaks to life’s biggest questions and deepest difficulties. It teaches us about salvation, grace, and the new life we have in Christ. Let’s study Romans and find out how it explains timeless, essential truths for today and eternity. Amen! (From BSF’s Study of Romans)