Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ESV #Bible
It's evident from the beginning of our salvation that we Christians experience persecution in one form or another. To a seasoned Christian we understand persecution runs hand in hand with our salvation, like its a package deal.
Here we see the Apostle Paul revealing the fact that just as we have been granted for the sake of Jesus our Messiah, our salvation, so our suffering for Him also.
Experience tells me that in my suffering for Christ, it brings a sensitivity to the greatness of the gift of my salvation, and its evidence and reality of being true.
This suffering, as salvation, has been granted to us. It has been given to us from someone greater than ourselves, meaning from God Himself.
For those who cause our sufferings it is the proof for them and ourselves that perdition awaits them.
