Happy Though Persecuted!

“Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.”​—MATTHEW 5:10

1. Roman Emperor Nero launched what persecution?

“COVERED with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.” So wrote the Roman historian Tacitus. (The Annals, Book XV, paragraph 44) And who were the victims? Christians​—disciples of Jesus Christ. Rumor had it that Emperor Nero was responsible for the burning of Rome (in 64 C.E.), and he sought to fasten the guilt on Jesus’ followers. Thus was launched the first of various persecutions of Christians during the heyday of ancient Rome.

2. (a) What did Jesus Christ say about those “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”? (b) To be happy though persecuted, Jehovah’s Witnesses must know what?

² How were those early Christians able to endure such brutal persecution? Indeed, how have past and present witnesses of Jehovah found it possible to be joyful while undergoing harassment or injury deliberately inflicted upon them with a view to stamping out their religious faith and belief? (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5) Yes, Jesus Christ did say: “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matthew 5:10) However, to be happy though persecuted, Jehovah’s Witnesses must know (1) the Devil’s aim in bringing persecution upon them; (2) why Jehovah permits this tribulation; (3) why God’s servants can be happy though persecuted; (4) what can be done to prepare for persecution; and (5) how it can be met with endurance.

The Devil’s Aim

3, 4. (a) Who really is behind the persecution experienced by witnesses of Jehovah? (b) How did Jesus identify the chief instigator of this persecution?

³ The Roman rulers had nothing to fear from genuine peace-loving Christians. Those witnesses of Jehovah were in relative subjection to governmental “superior authorities” and ‘rendered Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.’ (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:21) Little did Rome’s emperors know that someone behind the scenes had continually been stirring up hatred against witnesses of Jehovah, doing so all the way back to “righteous Abel.” (Matthew 23:33-36; Hebrews 11:4, 32-40; 12:1) That evil fomenter of such persecution to this very day is none other than Satan the Devil. As an adversary of God, and of Jehovah’s people, he “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”​—1 Peter 5:8.

⁴ Jesus repeatedly told his disciples that they would be persecuted. For instance, he said: “A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me [which they certainly did], they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20; 16:2; Matthew 10:22, 23) Moreover, Christ left no doubt about the chief instigator of this persecution when saying to one of the “seven congregations”: “Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison that you may be fully put to the test.” (Revelation 1:1, 4; 2:10) Yet, what is the Devil’s aim in persecuting witnesses of Jehovah?

5. What is the Devil’s aim in bringing persecution upon Jehovah’s servants?

⁵ Satan’s aim in bringing pressure and persecution upon servants of Jehovah is to force them to compromise their faith. He wants to destroy the precious relationship they have with their heavenly Father. Why, at the very inception of sin, Jehovah God foretold enmity between the “serpent” and God’s symbolic “woman,” and between their respective ‘seeds’! (Genesis 3:14, 15) Jesus unquestionably identified the serpent as Satan and told His persecutors that they were ‘from their father the Devil,’ hence, being of the Adversary’s “seed.” (John 8:31-59) In these “last days” the Devil’s time is short and his anger is great indeed. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 12:7-17) So enmity between the ‘seeds’ goes on, and everyone on earth must line up eventually with either the godly seed or the devilish seed. (Compare 1 John 3:10.) Hence, if an individual is faithfully serving Jehovah God, he is or will be the object of persecution. Satan the Devil will see to that.​—2 Timothy 3:12.

6. Satan has raised what great issue and has called what into question as far as humans are concerned?

⁶ Satan has raised an issue of universal sovereignty, and he has called into question the integrity of humans when they are put under test. For instance, integrity to God was at issue when Satan instigated persecution against the man Job, whose wife and three “comforters” wittingly or unwittingly served the Devil’s purpose. (Job 1:8–2:9; 16:2; 19:22, 28) As the case of Job makes clear, the Devil challenged Jehovah, claiming that no human would remain faithful to God if Satan were allowed to test that one. Therefore, the Devil persecutes witnesses of Jehovah to break their integrity and to prove his challenge true.

7. What is enough to compromise a Christian’s faith, but how did Jesus react when thus tempted?

⁷ Satan knows that one “act of worship” to him is enough to compromise a Christian’s faith and lend support to the Devil’s challenge that humans would not remain faithful to God under test or persecution. When the Devil showed Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory,” what did that chief persecutor say? “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” But Jesus’ staunch refusal supported true worship, upheld Jehovah’s side of the issue of universal sovereignty and proved the Devil a liar.​—Matthew 4:8-11.

8, 9. (a) How did early Christians show that they would not render one “act of worship” to Satan? (b) In what way have some 20th-century Christians been tested similarly, and what position have they taken?

⁸ How appropriate, then, that faithful early Christians refused to render a single “act of worship” that would have supported Satan’s side of the great issue! Loyal followers of Christ refused to burn incense in honor of the Roman emperor, even though this cost them their lives. Regarding this, Daniel P. Mannix wrote: “Very few of the Christians recanted, although an altar with a fire burning on it was generally kept in the arena for their convenience. All a prisoner had to do was scatter a pinch of incense on the flame and he was given a Certificate of Sacrifice and turned free. It was also carefully explained to him that he was not worshiping the emperor; merely acknowledging the divine character of the emperor as head of the Roman state. Still, almost no Christians availed themselves of the chance to escape.” (Those About to Die, page 137) Just one such “act of worship” would have been enough to satisfy Satan.

⁹ Some 20th-century Christians have been tested similarly. From the time of arrest and repeatedly throughout the internment of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nazi concentration camps, efforts were made to force them to renounce Jehovah and refuse to have any further contact with his people. To that end the Nazis prepared a declaration that was held out to the Witnesses to sign in return for their freedom. All that was required was one’s signature. Yet, few Witnesses signed.

10. Why would it be unwise to make a minor compromise with the hope of gaining freedom to preach?

¹⁰ Being aware of Satan’s purpose in causing witnesses of Jehovah to be persecuted, may we never yield to any devilish temptation to sidestep an issue to avoid trouble. Let us not even entertain the mistaken idea that a seemingly minor compromise would quickly free us for the preaching work. Any compromising as regards our integrity can mean our total downfall. (Compare Matthew 13:21; Galatians 6:12.) When a compromise constitutes “an act of worship,” no longer are we fit to represent Jehovah’s Kingdom interests. We can be sure that a single act breaking our integrity would bring glee to the Devil, and surely we do not want to make him happy. Rather, we seek to make Jehovah’s heart rejoice by integrity keeping that gives him a reply to the Great Taunter.​—Proverbs 27:11.

Why Jehovah Permits Persecution

11. For what principal reason does Jehovah permit his people to be persecuted?

¹¹ Our heavenly Father could prevent the persecution of his people. But he chooses to allow it, and knowing why will help us to be happy though persecuted. The principal reason for permitting persecution has to do with the issue of universal sovereignty. Every witness of Jehovah who maintains integrity under Devil-inspired testing proves Satan to be a liar and gives evidence that even an imperfect human can remain faithful to God though sorely tested or persecuted. The loyal individual upholds God’s side of the issue and supports Jehovah’s right to rule as Universal Sovereign. What a joy to add to the evidence that “he rules supreme”!​—Psalm 47:9, Today’s English Version.

12, 13. For what additional reason does Jehovah permit Christians to be persecuted, and who among them will have a lasting place in God’s arrangement?

¹² Jehovah also permits persecution in order to test the loyalty of those who have made a dedication to him. He has brought together “a people for special possession” so that these spirit-anointed ones might ‘declare abroad his excellencies.’ (1 Peter 2:9) God is also ‘rocking all the nations’ so that “the desirable things of all the nations”​—people having divine approval—​might be brought into his “house” of worship and fill it with glory. (Haggai 2:7; compare Zechariah 8:23.) Accordingly, persons with a heavenly hope and others who look forward to eternal life on a Paradise earth have become dedicated Christians and witnesses of Jehovah.​—Luke 23:43; Revelation 7:1-17.

¹³ But who among all these dedicated Christians will finally be part of the promised “new heaven” and “new earth”? (Revelation 21:1) Not everyone among them will be. (Psalm 15:1-5; Matthew 22:14) There will be no lasting place in God’s arrangement for those proving unfaithful. Hence, whereas Jehovah does not cause persecution, he permits it to sift out from among his people those who are disloyal, while preserving in their ranks individuals of unquestioned loyalty and wholehearted love for God. (Matthew 22:37, 38; 25:31-33; 2 Corinthians 13:5) May we be among those who endure persecution faithfully and so have the continual “privilege of fearlessly rendering sacred service to [Jehovah God] with loyalty and righteousness before him all our days”​—even forever.​—Luke 1:68, 69, 74, 75.

Why Happy Though Persecuted

14. Jesus specifically cited what as the reason to be happy though persecuted?

¹⁴ The Kingdom hope was specifically cited by Jesus Christ when he said: “Happy the persecuted on account of Righteousness; for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens!” (Matthew 5:10, The Emphatic Diaglott) Yes, association with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom is the marvelous prize awaiting Jesus’ anointed followers who faithfully endure persecution. (Luke 12:32; Revelation 2:10; 14:1; 20:6) And for faithful witnesses of Jehovah having earthly hopes there is the grand prospect of eternal life on a Paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; John 10:16; 17:3; Revelation 7:9, 10, 14) Surely, then, we can be happy though persecuted if we keep in mind the Kingdom hope.​—Romans 12:12.

15. How is Jehovah’s sovereignty linked with the Kingdom, and how is all of this related to our being happy though persecuted?

¹⁵ Jehovah’s universal sovereignty is inseparably linked with the Kingdom, for by means of it he will sanctify his holy name. As Jehovah’s faithful witnesses and Kingdom proclaimers, we are upholding his sovereignty and thus have added reason for happiness even amid tribulation. (Isaiah 43:10-12; Matthew 6:9, 10) So, with God’s help, may we maintain integrity to God and thereby prove the Devil a liar who cannot support his claim that no human would remain faithful to Jehovah under test. (Job 27:5) How happy any persecuted Christian can be when he upholds Jehovah’s side of the great issue!​—Compare Acts 4:24.

16. Why can it be said that a clear conscience contributes to our being happy though persecuted?

¹⁶ A clear conscience also contributes to the happiness of persecuted, though loyal, Kingdom proclaimers. Whereas a professing Christian is likely to experience shame and mental anguish if he suffers for wrongdoing, a person is rightly joyful if his suffering is for righteousness’ sake as a faithful witness of Jehovah and follower of Jesus Christ. Thus, even after being flogged, Jesus’ apostles “went their way from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Christ’s] name.” (Acts 5:40, 41) Similarly, after being beaten and imprisoned at Philippi, Paul and Silas were not morose or conscience stricken, as though they had done something wrong. Instead, about midnight they “were praying and praising God with song.” (Acts 16:22-25) Hence, while a witness of Jehovah should never conduct himself in such a way that he must be punished as a guilty and possibly conscience-smitten murderer, thief, evildoer or busybody, he can be happy if he is suffering for the sake of righteousness.​—1 Peter 2:11, 12; 3:13, 14; 4:15, 16.

17. What especially will contribute to our happiness when we are persecuted as Kingdom supporters?

¹⁷ Pleasing Jehovah and glorifying him especially will contribute to our happiness when persecuted as Kingdom supporters. Even when under extreme duress, ‘walking so as to please God’ is vital to our continued joy as Jehovah’s servants. (1 Thessalonians 4:1) Furthermore, when suffering as a Christian, we should “confess that name to the honour of God.” Think of it! Besides pleasing Jehovah, when we endure persecution faithfully we “keep on glorifying God.” (1 Peter 4:16, The New English Bible; New World Translation) What a joyous incentive to endure persecution courageously!

Press On as Integrity Keepers

18. How should Jehovah’s Witnesses feel about keeping integrity to God?

¹⁸ Clearly, then, Jehovah’s Witnesses have sound reasons to be happy though persecuted. Therefore, with God’s help, let us be as resolute as the psalmist David, who declared: “As for me, in my integrity I shall walk.”​—Psalm 26:11.

19. What questions now present themselves for consideration?

¹⁹ As faithful Christians, we can be happy though persecuted because we know the Devil’s aim in bringing such tribulation upon us. We also realize why Jehovah God permits his people to be persecuted. Yet, while we have such reasons to be happy in the face of persecution, what can we do to prepare for it? And how can we meet intense or even brutal persecution with endurance?

Christians Meet Persecution With Endurance

1, 2. How do loyal witnesses of Jehovah meet persecution, but what question does this raise?

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES are not seeking martyrdom. However, they know that “all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Does this depress them?

² No, for loyal Christians can “meet persecution with endurance.” (1 Corinthians 4:12, The Twentieth Century New Testament, Revised Edition) But how can we prepare for such suffering before it comes upon us?

Preparing for Persecution

3. What are some ways to prepare for persecution?

³ Our previous discussion suggested ways to prepare for persecution. For instance, we need to remember the Devil’s aim​—to destroy our relationship with Jehovah. By God’s undeserved kindness, may we never let that happen! We can also prepare for persecution if we reflect on why God permits it. He does so chiefly because of the issue of universal sovereignty, and also to test our loyalty. Hence, let us determine in advance that, with divine aid, we will be loyal upholders of Jehovah’s sovereignty. Additionally, we can be prepared for persecution if the Kingdom hope is in our heart.

4, 5. In preparing before persecution comes upon us, how can we build up our faith?

⁴ In preparing before persecution comes upon us, daily we need to build up our faith, courage and endurance. If we are to have genuine faith, however, we must truly love Jehovah, and this calls for accurate knowledge of his Word. This, in turn, requires that we regularly read and study the Scriptures along with related Christian publications. Furthermore, essential to strong faith is association with fellow believers in Jehovah’s worship and service.​—Hebrews 10:23-25; 12:28; Revelation 7:9, 10, 15.

⁵ To prepare for persecution, we also need to “go on walking in the truth,” living it daily, always being “guided by the Truth.” (3 John 3, 4, NW; TCNT) By accepting God’s guidance as we face smaller tests day after day, we will build up our faith in Jehovah and in his ways. This, in turn, will motivate us to be “guided by the Truth” when we are persecuted.

6. How can prayer help us to prepare for persecution?

⁶ Making it our custom to pray regularly to Jehovah will draw us closer to him, and this, too, will help us to prepare for persecution. The more we prayerfully rely on our heavenly Father, the more we will trust him. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) Our relationship with him thus will become too strong for foes, human or demon, to destroy.​—Compare Psalm 9:1-6; 1 John 2:12-14.

Meeting It With Endurance

7. When we are persecuted, what can God do if our own strength runs out?

⁷ When persecution actually does come upon us, especially in some brutal form, what can be done to meet it with endurance? Strength from Jehovah is vital! Like Paul, we need “power beyond what is normal,” and we should pray for it. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) Then, with full dependence on our heavenly Father, we can be as confident as Paul was when saying: “I have the strength for everything in him [Jehovah God] who invigorates me.” (Philippians 4:13, Byington) Even after our own physical strength has run out, Jehovah’s resources will not be exhausted. He can and does impart power to his people. (Isaiah 40:28-31; 45:22-25) If we lean upon Jehovah, he will give us strength beyond our own capacity in times of stress. And let us not be fearful. Man can go only as far as taking our present life, but with Jehovah is the power to restore us to life by resurrection.​—Psalm 46:1, 2; Luke 12:4-7; John 5:28, 29.

8. Why is prayer so important in meeting persecution with endurance?

⁸ Prayer to Jehovah is indispensable in meeting persecution with endurance. Jesus, who underwent many sufferings, always stayed close to his Father in heartfelt prayer, for we read: “In the days of his flesh Christ offered up supplications and also petitions to the One who was able to save him out of death, with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.” (Hebrews 5:7) Assuredly, the “Hearer of prayer” will also hear us for our godly fear. (Psalm 65:2) During persecution the need to “persevere in prayer,” to “pray incessantly,” to “be vigilant with a view to prayers,” cannot be overstressed. (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 4:7) Otherwise, we might think only about the discomfort, the suffering, and might yield to a desire for relief, giving in to the inclinations of the flesh by compromising our faith.

9, 10. (a) How can “the peace of God” help us when we are persecuted? (b) What can we learn from Stephen’s serenity while he faced his persecutors?

⁹ Seek “the peace of God” when under duress. If we have prayed to Jehovah daily, we have established a fine pattern in life and should continue to approach him earnestly when persecuted. It is appropriate to pray for “the peace of God that excels all thought.” It will ‘guard our hearts and mental powers by means of Christ Jesus’​—down to death in faithfulness if necessary.​—Philippians 4:6, 7.

¹⁰ That this unsurpassed tranquillity can be ours when persecuted is suggested by the case of faithful Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Just before he was moved by holy spirit to give a final courageous witness, the Bible account states: “As all those sitting in the Sanhedrin gazed at him, they saw that his face was as an angel’s face.” (Acts 6:15) He did not have the downcast face of a wrongdoer but the countenance of an angel, a messenger of God, with confidence that he had Jehovah’s backing. Stephen was courageous and serene. (Compare John 14:27.) After he exposed their guilt in the murder of Jesus Christ, the judges “felt cut to their hearts and began to gnash their teeth at him.” But Stephen, “being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand.” Strengthened by that vision, Stephen could face those unrighteous judges with courage and confidence that he had done Jehovah’s will. (Acts 7:52-56) Although Christians today do not expect to have such a vision, they can have God-given serenity as they meet persecution with endurance.

11. Meditation on what can help Jehovah’s people to endure persecution?

¹¹ Meditate on Jehovah’s Word, dealings and purposes. Even if deprived of a Bible and Scriptural publications, dwell on God’s Word. Recall Bible verses and accounts, doing so throughout the day and during sleepless nights. (Compare Psalm 77:2, 6, 11, 12.) Think about Jehovah’s marvelous dealings with his persecuted or oppressed people of the past. For instance, reflect on how God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, sustained Daniel and his three Hebrew associates in their trials, preserved the Jews in the days of Mordecai and Esther, and upheld the apostles and other early Christians in their sufferings for righteousness’ sake. (Exodus 12:1–15:21; Daniel 3:1-30; 6:1-28; Esther 3:1–9:32; Acts 4:1–5:42; 12:1-17; 14:1-7, 19, 20; 16:16-40; 18:12-17; 19:23-41; 21:26–26:32) Think, too, of the way Jehovah has supported his modern-day servants in Nazi concentration camps, communist prisons and the like. When persecuted, worshipers of Jehovah can sense the support of God’s “everlasting arms.”​—Deuteronomy 33:27, An American Translation.

12. When we are being persecuted, what should we remember about our suffering, and what trust and confidence should we have?

¹² Suffering will end. Remembering this will also help us to meet persecution with endurance. Furthermore, ‘God will repay tribulation to those causing it for us,’ while giving us relief. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Therefore, during our sufferings as witnesses of Jehovah, we should look to the future, confident that our hardships will cease and faithfulness will result in rich blessings from our heavenly Father. For example, in time we may be released from prison and again enjoy freedom to serve him without restraint as joyful Kingdom proclaimers. But even if that does not happen promptly, our suffering will not last forever. And we can endure it if we trust Jehovah completely and maintain our confidence in the fulfillment of his promise of unparalleled blessings in the foretold New Order.​—Revelation 21:1-4; compare 2 Corinthians 1:19, 20.

13. During persecution, what comfort can we draw from 1 Corinthians 10:13?

¹³ God will not let us be tried beyond what we can bear. The apostle Paul gave that assurance when he wrote: “No trial has assailed you except what belongs to man; and God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tried beyond your ability; but with the trial, will also direct the issue, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, The Emphatic Diaglott) Not all Christians are called upon to endure the same sufferings. Hence, there is no reason to think of the worst possible form of brutal persecution as necessarily being inevitable in our individual case. Jehovah will not fail us or allow anything to come upon us that we individually cannot bear in his strength and with the help of his holy spirit. Of course, we must rely on him implicitly and believe what his Word says. Yet, if we fully trust in Jehovah we can indeed meet persecution with endurance.​—Psalm 9:9, 10.

Satan’s Hostility Futile

14, 15. How has Satan been foiled in his attempts to crush Jehovah’s people by means of persecution?

¹⁴ Because Jehovah’s faithful witnesses are directed and helped mightily by their incomparable, all-powerful God, Satan the Devil and his persecuting dupes will never be able to prevail against these genuine Christians. Time and again the Devil has been foiled in his attempts to crush Jehovah’s people through persecution. In fact, persecution often has boomeranged on the Archenemy of Jehovah and His people, and the divine will has prevailed.

¹⁵ In proof of this, consider the “great persecution” that arose against the congregation in Jerusalem immediately after Stephen’s martyrdom. We are told: “All except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.” But the scattered disciples “went through the land declaring the good news of the word,” and their efforts were blessed. For instance, there was spiritual prosperity in the city of Samaria. (Acts 8:1-8) Other scattered disciples preached in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, Syria. Why, in Antioch “the hand of Jehovah was with them, and a great number that became believers turned to the Lord”! (Acts 11:19-21) That development, we may be sure, was just the opposite of what was desired by the foiled Great Persecutor.​—Compare Philippians 1:12-14.

16. What sometimes happens in the case of persecutors?

¹⁶ Every time a loyal witness of Jehovah meets persecution with endurance this adds to the humiliation of Satan, proving him to be a liar. Moreover, when a former persecutor becomes and remains a faithful persecuted witness of God and Christ, the Devil has experienced the disgrace of a defeat. For instance, he certainly was not pleased when the former persecutor Saul of Tarsus became one of Jesus’ persecuted followers who labored so diligently in spreading the good news despite persecution and many sufferings.​—2 Corinthians 11:23-27; 1 Timothy 1:12-16.

17. Persecuted witnesses of Jehovah should have what attitude toward their persecutors?

¹⁷ How important it is, therefore, that persecuted witnesses of Jehovah have a proper attitude toward their persecutors! Stephen was not filled with hatred for those who persecuted him. In fact, as they were stoning him he bent his knees and, just before falling asleep in death, “he cried out with a strong voice: ‘Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.’” (Acts 7:57-60) Moreover, Jesus said: “Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you.”​—Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:11-13.

Our Creator Will Not Fail Us

18. What will happen when Satan makes a final assault against Jehovah’s people?

¹⁸ We now live during the greatest crisis in human history. It is a period of testing and sifting of professed Christians. (Compare Luke 22:31, 32; 1 Peter 4:16, 17.) Satan’s time is short, and soon he will make a final all-out assault against Jehovah’s people. But God will enable them to meet this persecution with endurance and they will come off victorious. Once again, Satan (as Gog of Magog) will have been foiled and handed a crushing defeat. Additionally, in this defense of His people, God will ‘magnify and sanctify himself, making himself known before the eyes of the nations, so that they will have to know he is Jehovah.’ Again, that is just the opposite of what Satan would desire.​—Ezekiel 38:14–39:7; Revelation 12:12.

19. With divine help, what will persecuted witnesses of Jehovah do?

¹⁹ As Jehovah’s dedicated witnesses, we know that Satan desires to destroy our relationship with Almighty God. By God’s undeserved kindness, however, we will not compromise our faith. Rather, we will bear in mind the great issue and seek in every way to uphold Jehovah’s universal sovereignty. Confident in the Kingdom hope, we can be happy though persecuted. We are prepared to meet persecution with endurance, for we trust implicitly in “the one who can, according to his power which is operating in us, do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.”​—Ephesians 3:20, 21.

20. What confidence can we have in our “faithful Creator”?

²⁰ Therefore, let us be fearless before the foe, maintaining integrity, to God’s glory and our own salvation. May we “hope in Jehovah and keep his way.” (Psalm 37:34) As we endure persecution, may we manifest the attitude evident in the apostle Peter’s words: “Let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on commending their souls to a faithful Creator while they are doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19) Our “faithful Creator” will not fail us. In his strength, we can be happy though persecuted and can meet persecution with endurance.