Why should churches in the West defend fellow Christians who are being persecuted?
1. We are commanded to do so (Hebrews 13:3).
2. We are following in the ministry example of Jesus (Luke 4:18).
3. Because the proclamation of the good news of Jesus is hindered in closed societies (Romans 10:14).
4. Because it brings comfort to those who are afflicted (Philippians 1:7, 4:10, 16-18).
5. Because our action makes a difference.
Tertullian said, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.” While this is certainly true in places such as China, I’m weary of Christians using his quote as an excuse to turn a deaf ear to the persecuted around the world. Even in Tertullian’s hometown of Carthage, the preaching of the gospel would later be forbidden.
Genocide is being committed against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. I believe that any Christian leader or church that is not working in some way for the protection of these brothers and sisters is complicit by doing nothing. It is a matter of life and death. What will you do about it?
Randel Everett, Founder and President Wilberforce Alliance
