The Bible talks alot about Christians being persecuted. Why then, are we so shocked when people treat us badly because of who we are and what we stand for? It is easy to know in our heads that we will suffer hardships for following Christ, but when we are in the situation, it still hurts our hearts - at least it does for me. At times, I have allowed people's words and actions go straight to my heart instead of just giving them to God. These are the times that my heart became harder with each instance until it finally was numb. Even though it may hurt us, we have to endure persecution with continued faithfulness to God and others.

Matthew 6:22-23 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets."