“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” MATTHEW 5:10-12
PONDER THIS
Persecution comes to those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus. This verse says, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad," as it speaks of persecution. That's incredible that God would put both joy and persecution in the same passage. Joy is the thermostat. Persecution is the thermometer. No matter what happens, the joy of the Lord is there to regulate conditions in your life.
The reason Christians are persecuted is that in a very real sense, they are divisive—they divide. They are different. To divide means to be different. Christians ought to stand out like diamonds in a coal mine or like gardenias in a garbage can. Christians are different because of Christ.
What are some ways you live differently because of your faith? What are some ways living like Christ has been costly?
What makes you afraid of persecution? How does this passage speak to your fears?
PRACTICE THIS
Talk to a Christian who stands out by living differently for Christ and ask how the Lord has helped in this.
LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers
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