Jesus spoke bluntly about the cost of following Him because He knew that becoming a believer in His Word and His work would result to losses on our part. Because we follow Christ, we open ourselves up to persecution and sometimes it can hit much closer to home or even home itself.
2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Maybe it might be because of the stand you make, or the changes you adapt that go against the family tradition; but whatever reason there may be, persecution at home happens to a believer who belongs to an un-churched home.
How can believers who experience persecution from family members react to the pressure and pains of a challenge as such?
Love them anyways. Know that God still values the family and that He still calls us to love and honour our parents and brothers and sisters. Even if they don't have the same faith as you, know that God put you in that family for a reason and because of that we are to love them unconditionally. For all you know that could be the make or break move that can bring salvation to your home.
Continue to live out your faith. 1 Peter 3:17 says, "For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." We cling on to God despite of our trials based on God's empowerment and sovereignty. When we trust God for the strength to carry on despite the challenges, He will give us the power to live out our lives as witnesses even to our family.
Rejoice in your persecution. James 1:2 tells us, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." Persecution can sometimes be God's way of strengthening your character and faith. Both character and faith are like muscles that need tension to be stretched and grown.
Pray for your family more. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Because of the manifestation of Jesus in our lives, we are empowered to respond in intercession and faith. Your family needs your prayers now more than ever.
Be covered in prayer and accountability. Persecution at home can be hard to deal with. That's why you need the covering and accountability of church community and fellow believers. You are not alone in this fight. God gives us the church as covering from all kinds of trials in the form of discipleship and in spiritual warring.
