We live in a day when the Christian is avoided, ridiculed, mocked, isolated, ignored, neglected, overlooked, by-passed, cursed, questioned, abused, mistreated, slandered and much more. This is the reason. Persecution will measure how strong our faith is. A Christian's faith is measured by how much he is willing to sacrifice and bear for it. Persecution proves our trust in God and teaches us to depend upon God more and more.
Persecution proves and strengthens our patience and endurance.
Persecution proves our faith and attracts others to Christ. He is refinning you as fine gold. You are in the fire and as the impurities come to the surface he draws it off. When he is finished you are like a fine gold vessel. When people see you they see the glory of God shine from you.