Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV)
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
In the last of the Beatitudes, Jesus offers encouragement to His disciples that they would suffer for His sake. He taught them that men would revile, persecute and say every evil against them falsely, all on account of Him. Jesus said not only are Christians in this situation blessed, but they are to rejoice and be glad. He assures His disciples of eternal joy after their earthly trials. Jesus pointed out that Christians will be persecuted because of their righteous and godly living. In other words, the desire to live godly in Him will suffer persecution but count it as joy, for our rewards await us in Heaven. Mark 10:28-30 says, “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Based on these words of Jesus, persecution is part of life to be faced bravely and a hallmark of genuine children of God.
Reviling comes when we are insulted or verbally abused because of our faith. Speaking all evil against us falsely covers false accusations brought against any Christian to destroy their reputation, often to justify persecution. Persecution is the harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, view, culture, or race, to intimidate, silence, or kill. The world has always hated anyone walking contrary to its traditions and accepted norms. They have always despised believers for their lives and preaching exposes and rebukes their sins and folly. The children of God undergo persecution, not because of what they have done wrong to warrant them, but an attack to inflict pain. However, these persecutions provide opportunities for believers to enjoy the comfort of the Spirit promised by Christ. So, persecutions are not to break us but to give us breakthroughs and promotions. When we overcome, our faith becomes solid, and our spiritual stamina waxes stronger, for the athlete will have to go through many pains to be successful. After the pain comes the gain. We have to pass through the wilderness to get to Canaan. As believers, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, whether it is hatred from neighbors, oppression from superiors or peers, or misunderstanding from others, the Bible is clear on what to do. As Jesus Christ, our perfect Example endured, blessed, and prayed for the forgiveness of those who persecuted Him, so we are instructed to forgive our persecutors. We are to bless those who curse us and rejoice for every opportunity to suffer for Christ’s sake. God does not forget His children in the fire of trials of our faith in Him. As we endure, we will soon discover God’s promise of protection, preservation, and provision.
Beloved, your willingness to suffer reviling, persecution, and character assassination for the sake of Jesus brings you a blessing. You must rejoice and be glad, for your reward is in Heaven. God knows what you go through for His sake, and while He doesn’t promise you an easy life, He does assure you of something infinitely better waiting for you in eternity. There will always be false accusers and naysayers, but don’t try to defend yourself or give a reply to the charges against you. Let God vindicate you. Turn away from the accusing voices and focus on the destiny God has prepared for you. None of these persecutions will hurt you because it is just for a moment. Stand on the promises of God, for your joy is coming. Stay in the Word and fellowship with God. Continue to live a holy life and give your time, talent, and ability to advance the Gospel, growing the Kingdom agenda. Stand in faith, trusting the Lord for that supernatural intervention, and He will arise on your behalf and scatter your pain. Take the cure from Jesus, leap, rejoice, and praise God, for you have the greatest calling in Christ, Jesus. If you must suffer persecution for anything, let it be for upholding the Cross of Jesus Christ. Remember, the Lord will not only use you, but He will reward you handsomely.
O Lord, strengthen my determination to endure persecution to the very end in Jesus’ Name.