Persecuted for Him

"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great award awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

Matthew 5:10-12

Persecution is awful. It is one of the most feared things for Christians, especially in other countries. Here in Canada, we have the freedom to go to church and be a Christian openly. People could get mad at us for it, but we won't be killed for our faith. There are counties where you will be killed on the spot for being a Christian. Let's look at some stats:

North Korea

North Korea has the highest persecution number as of 2025. The number of Christians in North Korea is estimated to be 400,000, with a persecution level of 98 out of 100. What's it like to live there?

If you're found out, you will be killed on the spot. If you aren't murdered then and there, you'll be deported to a labor camp where few survive. Being a Christian is dangerous even for your family members who aren't Christians. If you're found out, your family will be rounded up and killed along side you, if they're Christian or not. Leaving the country is nearly impossible and if you do manage to escape, they will always be trying to find you and kill you.

Somalia

The second most persecuted country in the world is Somalia, with a persecution level of 94. The number of Christians in a mainly Islamic country, is estimated to be hundreds. What's it like to live there as a Christian?

You're often killed on the spot, otherwise there's risk of house arrest, forced marriage (and other Islam rituals), or threats. Particularly Muslims who have converted to Christianity are targeted.

Yemen

The third of the top five most persecuted countries in the world, is Yemen. The number of Christians in Yemen is estimated as a small number. Like Somalia, the main religion in Yemen is Islam. What is it like to be a Christian in Yemen?

The country is now divided into territories, ruled by three different powers, but none are pro-Christian. If you are found, you will face severe monitoring, arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, or even murder. The persecution level has increased. In 2022, the level was 88, and now it has increased to 94 this year.

Libya

Number four on the list, Libya's persecution level is 91. The main religion is Islam and the estimated number of Christians is 35,500 (0.5% of the population). What is it like in Libya as a Christian?

Especially Muslims who converted to Christianity are targeted by Islamic militant and criminal groups. These groups kidnap and brutally kill Christians. The persecution level decreased from 92 (2021) to 88 (2023), but has increased to 91, this year.

Sudan

The fifth country's stats I have for you, is Sudan. The number of Christians is around 2,028,000, or 4.1% of the population. Like Somalia, Yemen, and Libya, the main religion is Islam. What's it like in Sudan for a Christian?

Sudan was on the path to religious freedoms, but a catastrophic war dashed these hopes. After a year and a half of war, Sudan now has the world's largest displacement crisis and hunger crisis with nearly 9 million people being forced to flee their homes. More than 100 churches have been damaged so far, and Christians have been abducted and killed. Again, Christians who converted from Islam face severe backlash from families and communities. Christians must keep their beliefs secret.

Hope

After looking at these stats, you may ask why God would let this happen. The answer to that is, God doesn't let people be persecuted. It is not God's doing. Yes, He could easily stop it, but because humans are sinful, things like this happen. God gave us reason. We humans can make choices. As Jesus' coming comes closer, Satan works harder to draw us away from the Truth. In countries like North Korea, people's only hope is Christianity. God is their, and our, only comfort in life and death.

In Matthew 5:10, it reads, "God blesses those who are persecuted for doing good, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Those who are persecuted are blessed and will be with Jesus in heaven when they die. In verse 11, Jesus blesses the persecuted again and in verse 12, it says we are to rejoice when persecuted for Him. Think of it like this: Those who are persecuted for the true faith, get to die for Jesus and will be in Heaven with Him. Those who are persecuted, as awful as being persecuted sounds, will have great reward when they reach Heaven, and will receive Eternal Life.

Live it Out: Pray. Pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith. If you want to be a part of praying for these people, email me at shadow.shinebright@outlook.com

Join me and others in praying for the persecuted.