Matthew 5:11-12 (NIVUK)
11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 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.
If you have an imperfect faith, if you are meek and humble, if you side with the minority, the abused and oppressed, or if you strive for peace rather than assert yourself – in other words follow Christ’ example – then inevitably there will be those who will ridicule you, or oppose you, or seek to climb over you. This shouldn’t be surprising, as Jesus points out, that’s what happened to the prophets, and of course what happened to him. Don’t be discouraged – after Good Friday comes Easter, after the Cross comes resurrection! God sees your patient faithfulness and will reward it.
Thank you Father that you see and know. Help us to trust in you and have the courage to be faithful.
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