Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
Luke 6:22 “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the same sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
Jesus faced trouble and persecution constantly. People talked poorly about him in the streets. They cursed and tormented him. They even plotted to kill him. He was hated by the world. People were cruel to him regularly. He understands the pain that you are going through. He knows what it is like for someone to speak against you. But, if you stand up for God, then he will stand up for you. Do not back down when it gets hard. Expect the times of difficulty. God never said that it would be easy to follow him. He said that it would be hard. The world will reject you just as it has rejected him. However, God did say that he would help you and never forsake you. He is a good father. He will protect you from those who curse you. He will bless you for standing up for your faith when it would be easier to back down. Recognize that this world cannot harm you. You are forever saved by the creator of the universe. No matter what happens on this earth, we will always have God and that is more than enough.
Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Luke 6:23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.”
God will use persecution for his glory. In times of persecution, our faith is strengthened. It shapes a superficial faith into one of deep roots. You will see God’s faithfulness through the hardships. Persecution also helps us divert our attention away from the world and onto God. It reminds us of what really matters. Be eager to stand up for your faith even when it is hard. Be comforted in knowing that God will bless you for your devotion to him.
