Encouragement

Revelation 2:8-10
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.

From this scripture we find that Christians in the congregation at Smyrna, one of the seven churches in Asia, suffered. The question is what did they suffer and who were the inflictors? The answers are that they suffered persecution by the hands of at least the Jews. John, the apostle of Jesus, wrote unto to them to encourage the disciples to remain faithful to their works. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that if we live godly lives, we will suffer persecution. Just as the Christians at the congregation of Smyrna suffered persecution, anyone who strives to live righteously, will suffer. This is because Satan uses whatever method to destroy God’s plan. Satan will not act overtly but will be subtle as he was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).

In conclusion, we have the assurance that God will never leave us if we remain faithful (Matthew 28:20). John encouraged the Christians to be faithful unto death and would be given a crown of life. We are encouraged to not be weary in well doing according to Galatians 3:9. Our goal is to strive to do our best every day in the service of the Lord.