When you first became a Christian, did you experience any form of persecution? Did your friends decide not to be with you anymore? Did people say hurtful things?

If you did suffer, be sure that you never back down from your original zeal, as the writer of Hebrews had to remind his first readers,

“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven (Hebrews 10:32–34).

He reminded them of these things so that they would not turn their backs on the Lord, but that they would remain faithful to Him all the days of their lives.