MATTHEW 5:11-12

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

TO PONDER

By those words Jesus intends to comfort us that we may not lose courage, even if we may find ourselves detested in the eyes of the world. God’s children should reflect the true character of their Father.  We show ourselves to be citizens of God’s kingdom when we stand for Him against wrongdoing, even though we may suffer as a result. Jesus knows that the enemies of the Gospel would attack His small and despised flock. It was therefore His will to equip us with a sure defence that we might not give way. The faithful will be reproached for Christ's name. We will be persecuted for refusal to walk in ungodliness. But amidst that struggle we are blessed because our God is with us. 

PRAYER

God, we are your children and we pray that although we know there will be persecution and slander because of our relationship with Christ, that we might also rejoice, knowing that we are united with Christ in our suffering and will also be united with him in his victory. Help us to enter your presence with humility, aware of our own unrighteousness and resting only in your mercy and grace. Amen

Today's devotion written by Francis Leung, LifeWay Epping.