Paul said it well when he told Timothy that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. That’s exactly what the early church endured as they spread the Gospel around the world. The apostles and disciples were hated, threatened, imprisoned, beaten, tortured, ridiculed, etc. At different times, by different people, in different ways. It was not an easy time. Some like Paul, Peter, and the Hebrew writer spent time in their writings encouraging brethren everywhere to be mindful of their brothers and sisters in other places, especially those who were suffering and being persecuted. The Hebrew writer instructed his readers to “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).
The writer of Hebrews was reminding these Christians that they had fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who were in prison and were being mistreated because of their faith in Christ and trying to spread the good news of salvation. Their brethren were suffering persecution and trials. The Hebrew brethren needed to be mindful of them. They needed to care for them and love them. Those brethren were in need of prayer. The writer told them that they needed to feel for them as if they themselves were there in prison with them. They needed to be mindful that their brethren were being mistreated. The Hebrew Christians were facing their own challenges for sure but that was no reason to neglect their brethren elsewhere.
As Christians and brethren in Christ, we need to be mindful of and prayerful for those who are facing persecution today. In different countries. In different ways. Whatever the case may be we need to have love for our brethren and be concerned about them. As if we were there enduring it with them. Let’s stand strong as God’s people. As God’s family. As Christ’s church. We have to do it together. We have to encourage one another. Help each other. Remember those in prison and those who are mistreated. Remember the challenges and trials our brethren are facing. Let’s all stand together as one and give God all glory and praise no matter what.
A Cord of Blue 