"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" ( Hebrews 13:3 )

All over the world intense persecution happens because of Christ. Jesus himself said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). He did not want us to be unprepared that bearing His name will bring trouble, persecution and hardship.

Just as in the days of the apostles all over the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are locked up and tortured because they stand for Him. Many bear death sentences simply because they follow Christ. Many risk their lives and their families to meet, read a Bible if they can get one and encourage one another. Women are burned in the streets, men are locked up in prison and children suffer atrocities at the hands of others.

What should our godly response be? We need to stand together with these precious people praying for their strength and endurance. We need to give our resources when opportunities arise. We need to unite our voice together in outrage at their treatment demanding change! We need to bear with their suffering as if it was us that were suffering. The church needs to act on their behalf.

These are the people who will stand before the Throne of God crying out for the Lamb to avenge their blood ( Revelation 6:9-11 ). They are given a long flowing and festive robe to wear honoring them for their sacrifice and asked to wait a little longer until the full number comes in ( Revelation 6:11 Amp ). This scene from scripture is very powerful, these individuals are very precious in the sight of the Lord. So we too must remember their suffering and act with conviction for those who cannot act for themselves.

How can believers unite and make a difference? Voice of the Martyrs is the best place to start. VOM speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. They not only provide real-time information for the church to understand what is going on, they respond to situations offering prayer, resources and encouragement. They have several opportunities to give which include, supplies, Bibles to captive nations, support for families whose loved ones are imprisoned or have been martyred, ministry supplies, medical resources among other highly needed things. They have a long history of caring for the persecuted Church throughout the world.

Start by visiting their newsroom to read stories that are currently taking place around the globe.

I encourage you to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer tremendously because they bear the blessed name of our savior. Remember to pray and stand with them knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and will in the end right every wrong! Amen!

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” ( Hebrews 13:1-2 )

Loving our brethren is the mark of a true believer. In fact this is so important that many of the New Testament writers gave instructions on this very thing. Paul said, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” ( Romans 12:9-10 ). He went on to say, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” ( Romans 12:13 ). The Apostle John also mentioned this several times throughout all his writings. Perhaps I John 4:7 says it best, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” ( I John 4:7 ).

This is important because loving each other, considering others before one’s self summarizes the heart of God. When asked which commandment was the greatest “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” ( Matthew 22:37-40 ). It is amazing that once the first is achieved and practiced the second happens as a result. God is love ( I John 4:8 ), therefore abiding in that love will overflow into our own lives, affect our own relationships and it is makes us complete ( I John 4:11-12 ). Which is why Paul said, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” ( Galatians 5:14 ).

If we practice loving our brothers, not forgetting to entertain strangers, then we are caring for God’s people and being good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. As in the examples of Abraham and Lot from the book of Genesis we are encouraged by the fact that God gives us opportunities to care for people in need and represent His loving kindness to them ( Genesis 18:1-8, Genesis 19:1-3 ). Because of their hospitality both Abraham and Lot entertained angels. The result for Abraham was word that Sarah would conceive within the year. Because of Lot’s actions, he and his family were delivered from Sodom before it was destroyed. Both received blessings from their generosity.

Jesus also referred to this when teaching, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’” ( Matthew 25:34-40 ). What a beautiful reminder that everything we do, we do for the Lord.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” ( I John 4:11-12 ).