The Word Given: The Persecuted
Matthew 5:10
Matthew 5:10
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Sometimes the desire to know God is profound and life changing. And sometimes that change is more than what happens to us as Christians. Unfortunately, it can also be the change in people around us.
So, we are blessed when we suffer for our stand. When we stand up and say abortion is wrong. When we say no to sinful lifestyles. Not only for ourselves but for others. Especially those who not only live it, but approve it.
These subjects that many believe Christ didn't discuss, we see that He actually did. In John 16:33, Jesus warns His disciples that they WILL be persecuted. Not “might” be persecuted…
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The word "tribulation" is translated as affliction. Our confidence isn't in the persecution, but in the One who overcame despite the persecution.
But we aren't just blessed, we gain the Kingdom in the process! When we choose to keep our stand even when someone makes it hard, we grow and we become stronger. Much of who we are and become in the Kingdom of God is up to us and how we answer the difficult moments
.All things considered, most who read this are from North America. And, in reality, our persecution is very mild. But it won’t always be that way.
