#34. So what if you are persecuted?

In the midst of the interview
Interviewer: Can you work during the weekends?
Me: Yes except Sunday.
Interviewer: Oh. Why?
Me: I have to attend church service on Sunday.
Interviewer: Fine then. What!? You are a Christian!? *in a sarcastic tone and with an unhappy and disgusted look on their faces*
Me: Yes.
Interviewer: You should have said that earlier. *with a unpleased look and tone*
Me: (In my heart, I was thinking: “You didn’t even ask me. So I need to go around telling all interviewers that I am a Christian? It doesn’t make any sense. Plus, in your resume application, you didn’t even ask anything about religion.”) Oh ok.
Interviewer: *still with an unpleased look and annoyed tone* you may leave now. If I call you, it means you are selected. If not, this will be the last time I see you.

The tension there was uneasy if you were there.

Is anyone of you thinking that I should not say to attend church service but it is my family day? I am sorry but it would be a lie if I say that. Lying is a sin. In the bible, it states: “Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.” (Leviticus 19:11))

I was quite upset because they hire people based on religion. It is sad to be in this ugly and sinful earth. However, I am sure that God will lead me to the many blessings He has for me. I will continue to follow wherever God leads me to. :)

However, it is a blessing to be persecuted. :)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

“strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.” (Acts 14:22)

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” (John 15:18-20)

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

“Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:7)

But I tell you, we must pray for those who persecute us. :)

“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)