May 19 | Matthew 5:10-12

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is God’s kingdom. Blessed are you when they may insult you and persecute and might say all kinds of evil against you, lying on your account. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for likewise they persecuted the prophets before you.”
(Matthew 5:10–12)

Everyone wants to be part of the group. Even the antisocial ones need friends. We don’t want to be on the outside looking in. People use peer pressure to make you conform. But that’s not always possible when you stand for Christ.

Jesus spoke about persecution because He knew it would be coming. It may not be here yet, but it will come. Look to Jesus. As you suffer for righteousness, Jesus blesses you.

Jesus gives you the Kingdom, inviting you to heaven, the ultimate eternal experience in His presence. People will soon make fun of you, lie about you, and destroy your reputation because you stand up for Jesus.

Know that you belong to Jesus and your reward is in heaven. One of my mentors said, You can’t scare a Christian with heaven.” Even if you die in persecution, you will be with Jesus. They can’t take Jesus away from you.

Action Step: Prepare for persecution if you are not already experiencing it. Jesus walks with you, and you need not be afraid. Jesus gives you strength to handle it.

Precious Jesus, give me the strength to endure the coming persecution. I know standing for You has consequences. Give me peace in the middle of persecution. You are my Defender and Fortress. I look to You when it comes. I will not back down.