554B: The Reason for Persecution
The cause of persecution is the cross. It is God's righteousness replacing every thread of self-righteousness. The cross speaks through the crucified life. It defies human understanding, and the world is stunned and angry. The cross speaks of unqualified forgiveness, unselfish compassion, and uncompromising submission. The world does not understand the cross and fights against it. It makes foolish the righteousness of man; but for the Christian, persecution only leads to greater faith in the incredible life of the cross.