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Even though the exact number is not known, reports confirm that thousands of Christians die for their faith each year in many parts of the world. Taking innocent life grieves the heart of God, not only of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ; God hates the killing of any innocent life. Those who do so and think they are getting away with it ought to think again. God who created and sustains life is holy and just; He has decreed that everyone who takes innocent life will give account for it—whether they take one life or exterminate entire populations. Here is what Paul wrote about God’s plan to hold people accountable for causing His people to suffer. In 2 Thessalonians 1, he wrote that God, “in his justice, will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” This text and others make it clear that God is just. Those who take innocent life can expect payback—sooner or later. In view of this, God calls His people to support and work for justice all over the world. So let us be faithful in preserving life, and in standing for justice everywhere.
