Here in the United States, for instance, we do not know the kind of persecution experienced by Christians in other lands. But the Word of God does not give us different principles for overcoming these varying degrees of suffering by persecution.
One of the causes of persecution is religious spirits. When religious spirits are operating, you will see jealousy, pride, and self-righteousness.
This is why Jesus was so persecuted when He was here on earth. The sinners really were not the ones who persecuted Him; they came, were healed, then supported Him. The people who persecuted Jesus were the ones who thought they had the light; but their "enlightenment" was really darkness.
Your relatives and friends might have spoken ugly of you, saying things like: "Speaking in tongues - that's of the devil! Did you hear about her? She's caught up with that religious, charismatic bunch! Every time you see her, she's muttering to herself. She even carries her Bible to the grocery store and puts it in her grocery basket. How disgusting! Something's wrong with her."
Don't feel alone! People said that John the Baptist was demon possessed. They didn't like it because he wouldn't drink anything strong or join in with their New Year's Eve party!
Do you know what they said about Jesus? His relatives said He was beside himself (Mark 3:21). Because He went to sinners' houses and ate, the religious people called Him a winebibber and a glutton (Matt. 11:19). They even accused Him of being demon possessed (Luke 11:15).
You can't please everyone. Whether you are nice or mean, someone somewhere will probably say you have a demon! It just doesn't make any difference. If they said these things about Jesus, why would they say anything different about you? You have the same Light in your spirit.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers