As I studies Lesson one this week and it touched on the opposition we face as Christians. Situations I have felt rejected for my faith is when visiting people in their homes and sharing Christ. Either they were hostile at the front door as soon as they knew you were a Christian or they were welcomed in immediately. There didn’t seem to be much middle ground as far as reactions I have experienced there. I would just apologize for disturbing them and move on.
I have felt disenfranchised when I would be visiting with a person and as soon as they found out I was a Christian they would shut down and want to end our conversation. I would remain friendly and let them operate at the comfort level best for them.
It main seem strange but the greatest mistreatment I have received for my Christian standards and beliefs is from those who profess to be Christians! Even those within churches. Many times it was those who were compromising with the world or under conviction. All I can do is remain positive and keep a smile on my face. When they ask I in a kind and humble way share why I believe what I do and conduct my life accordingly.
I love the reminder, (one that is always needed) about how trials bring about blessings. Over and over in my life I have seen the Lord strengthen me, prepare me to help others and make the way for great things through trials that could not have otherwise happened.
The Living Stone Story touched me on a very deep level. I related in a very personal way. When my husband was 25 and we had a 2 yr and 1 yr. old, he had triple bypass surgery. They told him he had the heart of a 75-year-old man and had 6-8 years to live. 13 years later he had a heart attack and we were told by the surgeon that they would probably go in and just end up doing nothing given the previous condition of his heart. They bypassed two of the bypasses. 22 years later ( 2 years ago) he went into heart failure and tests revealed there were not more arteries in his heart other than a couple of 20-year-old bypasses. At that time they gave him 4 years to an artificial heart, it has been two years. We do not know what the future holds and yes there are times I am afraid, but I have that peace in my heart that God is in control. My prayer of course is for many more years. I praise the Great physician for His mercy, grace, healing, and strength. Yes God is faithful!
theoldcrowsemptynest.com 
Praying for your husband! And hoping this study encourages you today and tomorrow and… Thanks for posting. Looking forward to week 2!
It’s hardest when the people within the church, the ones we open our hearts to and trust are the first to condemn or judge us in some way. I think that hurts more than someone outside the church doing the same, sometimes it’s a reason we get the response we do when people find out we are Christians. When that happens we just need to stand strong and continue to share God’s loving in our actions.
I will be praying for your husband.
Excited to see what the rest of 1 Peter brings us!
Thank you for your comments Organic Elle and thank you for the prayers for my husband. I totally agree with you in us standing strong and continuing to share God’s love.
As Christians it is so easy for us to forget that the ONLY time we can truly show Christ and His love is in the face of persecution. If we show it when everyone is treating us nicely then we have done nothing. BUT when are mistreated and reviled and respond like Him instead of how the world responds, then they will notice a difference! Then they can see Him!
I am reminded of Luke 6:2-36: ” For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
Now the challenge is to remember that in the face of hurt and respond correctly!
Have a blessed day! Narita