Why is it that non-Christians find it ok to insult Christians and mock our Lord Almighty and especially insult Jesus Christ, yet they leave other religions and gods alone?
The Lord Jesus stated in John 15:24, “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER.” It is the truth of who the Lord Jesus Christ is, and what He came to accomplish that bring out the hatred, disrespect, and persecution among them that do not know Christ as their savior. The very mention of His name, although so precious to those who know Him, brings out the rebellious heart in unbelievers.
It was said prophetically of the Lord in Isaiah 53:2, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, THERE IS NO BEAUTY THAT WE SHOULD DESIRE HIM.” There is no attraction to the Lord from the unconverted heart…only hate and rejection. However, to those who know and love the Lord, He is beautiful and desirable. In the Song of Solomon, we read the words of the bride concerning her bridegroom, “My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, HE IS ALTOGETHER LOVELY. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” (Song of Solomon 5:10-16). The bride and bridegroom here represent the bride of Christ and Christ, Himself. To us who believe in Him, Christ is indeed lovely.
In one sense, I believe the grace and long patience of our Lord have emboldened the unbelievers to curse His name and persecute those who believe in Him. 2 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days SCOFFERS, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” Then, Peter goes on to explain the purpose of the patience of the Lord in verse 9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTENCE.” How shameful that these people despise God’s goodness instead of being thankful for it. “Or despisest thou the riches of his GOODNESS and FORBEARANCE and LONGSUFFERING; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
As you pointed out, other religions do not have to bear the same harsh persecution that the Lord Jesus and His people are called on to endure. That is because ALL other religions are ‘of this world’ and therefore are more readily accepted and respected by those who are unsaved and are still ‘of this world.’
Have you been insulted for your testimony for Christ? Have you suffered persecution? My dear Christian friend, regard as it a delight and honor! “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials.” In the book of Acts, when the disciples of the Lord were threatened and beaten because of their testimony for the Lord, “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41).
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12). (CC) (744.6)