Christian Victim Card

by Chadwick Brewer

“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you” (I John 3:13).

Christians are disdained and hated for their strong convictions of faith, radical morality, and different way of life. In a world of political correctness, it is still socially acceptable to mock and denigrate Christians. When Christians are maligned and mistreated, there is a natural tendency to play the victim card, have self-pity, and say, “Woe is me.” But playing the victim has two major problems.

First, being the victim can inhibit our growth and work in Christ. Our focus and energy turn inward rather than outward toward others and upward toward the prize of Jesus' call. We shrink away from the things that cause mistreatment. We become silent and tend to try to fit in and conform to this world. We have to stop viewing ourselves as the victim and get back to work.

Second, we fail to rejoice in our sufferings for Christ. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Paul tells the Colossians that he rejoices in his sufferings for their sake. Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for standing firm in their tribulations. James tells us to rejoice when we meet trials. And here John tells us not to be surprised. By being the victim, we miss the blessings God has for us in those moments of hardship.

Don’t play the victim. Rejoice and keep up the good work for the kingdom.