Finding Strength in Verbal Persecution: A Christian Perspective

When Words Hurt: Finding Strength in Persecution

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This old adage may have been comforting to repeat during childhood playground squabbles, but as we grow older, we realize the power that words hold. Words can hurt, even when directed from a stranger through an online profile.

As Christians, we know that God made a world in which words are powerful. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). And as public discourse falls to new lows in the digital age, God has not left us without a guide for how to respond to the pain when we are persecuted with words.

In the New Testament, we see verbal attacks on Jesus, his apostles, and his church on nearly every page. At times, these attacks escalate to physical persecution — the stoning of Stephen, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonments of Peter and Paul, the crucifixion of Christ — but what remains constant and significant is a torrent of verbal persecution against Jesus and his people. And verbal persecution is not less than persecution because it’s verbal.

Verbal Persecution in the Bible

The Bible is full of examples of verbal persecution. Even Jesus himself was not immune to it. In Matthew 27:39-44, we read that those passing by the cross hurled insults at him, saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”

The apostle Paul also experienced verbal persecution during his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he lists some of his hardships, including “imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea.” He also faced verbal attacks, saying, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one — I am talking like a madman — with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Verbal persecution continued in the early church. In Acts 6:8-15, Stephen, one of the seven chosen to distribute food to the widows, was seized by the religious leaders and brought before the council, where he gave a powerful defense of the gospel. The council, however, was enraged by his words and responded with verbal persecution, ultimately leading to Stephen’s stoning to death.

The apostle Peter also writes about verbal persecution in 1 Peter 3:13-17, where he tells believers not to fear those who would insult them for their faith. He says, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13-17).

Our Response to Verbal Persecution

As believers, we are not immune to verbal persecution. In fact, Jesus tells us to expect it. In John 15:18-19, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 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.”

So, what should our response be when we are persecuted with words? Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind:

Remember Whose You Are

When we are attacked with words, it’s easy to lose sight of our identity in Christ. We may start to believe the lies that are being spoken about us or feel ashamed of our faith. But we need to remember that our identity is not in what others say about us but in who we are in Christ. We are children of God, redeemed by his grace, and nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39).

Pray for Those Who Persecute You

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This may seem like a difficult task when we are being attacked, but praying for our persecutors can change our hearts and theirs. It may also open doors to share the gospel with them or show them the love of Christ in practical ways.

Respond with Gentleness and Respect

When faced with verbal persecution, it’s tempting to respond with anger or defensiveness. But as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, we are to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Our response can be an opportunity to share the gospel or show Christ’s love to those who are hurting.

Trust in God’s Justice

Ultimately, we can trust in God’s justice. In Romans 12:19, Paul writes, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” We don’t need to take revenge on those who hurt us with words. Instead, we can trust that God will one day make all things right.

Conclusion

Verbal persecution can be painful, but as Christians, we can find strength in Christ and in the examples of those who have gone before us. We can remember that our identity is in Christ, pray for our persecutors, respond with gentleness and respect, and trust in God’s justice. And as we do, we can be a witness to those around us, showing them the love and grace of Christ.