Persecution: A Response Inspired by "Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness" by James Tissot.

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

"Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness" by James Tissot. Collection of the Brooklyn Museum

It is tempting to hate, and to be angry at people who persecute you. Today is Day #2 of my 21 Day Fast, and I pray for young C.J. to have mercy on those that persecute him for living as he was perfectly created by God. In 2013, C.J. "came out", and is now excluded from family gatherings including his grandfather's 65th birthday celebration. He is from a family of Black Protestants who tolerate adultery, divorce, drugs, and violence but not C.J.'s perfection created by God. By excluding him, they tempt him to change from his perfection. "First they ignore you," said Mahatma Gandhi of his persecutors. "Then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." I pray for C.J., that he like Jesus, refuses their temptation, and does so without anger because he is already perfectly created by God.