Christian woman stands outside her home that was destroyed by radicals.

Persecution is also a means of blessing. Twice in the Beatitudes Jesus said,

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

And,

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." Matthew 5:11

We also recall the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, who was persecuted by his own brothers. But Joseph remained true throughout many hardships and grew strong in the Lord. In the end he was able to say to his brothers,

... the utmost reason for persecution of true Christians is simply that the world does not know the only true God.

"Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Genesis 50:19-20

God in His sovereignty can use persecution as a triumphant tool for the spread of the gospel. Paul encourages us with his words,

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." Philippians 1:12 (NKJ)

But the utmost reason for persecution of true Christians is simply that the world does not know the only true God.