Defending Our Faith

 "Sanctify the Christ as our Lord in your hearts, always read to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you." -1 PETER 3:15. 

IN MOST countries, Jehovah's Witnesses are generally recognized as honest, clean-living people. Many view them as good neighbors who do not cause any trouble. Yet, ironically, these peace-loving Christians have suffered unjust persecution-in time of war and peace. They are not surprised by such opposition. In fact, they expect it. After all, they know that faithful Christians in the first century C.E. were "objects of hatred," so why should those endeavoring to be true followers of Christ today expect to be treated any differently? (Matthew 10:22) Besides, the Bible says: "All those desiring to live with Godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." -2 TIMOTHY 3:12.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not seek persecution, nor do they enjoy the hardships-fines, imprisonments, or harsh treatment-it may bring. They desire to 'lead a calm and quiet life' so that they can preach the good news of the Kingdom without hindrance. (1 Timothy 2:1, 2) They appreciate the religious freedom they have in most lands to carry on with their worship, and they conscientiously do what they can to "be peaceable with all men," including the ruler of human governments. (Romans 12:18; 13:1-7) Why, then, are they "objects of hatred"? 

    Basically, Jehovah's Witnesses have been unjustly hated for the same reasons that the early Christians were persecuted. First, Jehovah's Witnesses act upon the religious beliefs in ways that make them unpopular with some. For example, they zealously preach the good news of God's Kingdom, but people often misunderstand their zeal, viewing their preaching as aggressive proselytizing." (Compare Acts 4:19, 20.) They are also neutral toward the politics and wars of the nations, and sometimes this has been wrongly taken to mean that the Witnesses are disloyal citizens. - MICAH 4:3, 4.

Next time: Defending Our Faith

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