Blessed Persecution by David Jeremiah

Monday, November 27 Blessed Persecution Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 Anyone who has had their car damaged by an uninsured motorist knows the feeling of being unfairly wronged. It is troubling and upsetting and costly, but it is not what today’s verse refers to. “Persecution for righteousness’ sake” occurs when we take a stand for our Lord and Savior and we experience anything from irritation to intimidation to injury because of it.

Recommended Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25

How do we respond to those who are unfair, deceitful, and unkind to us because we belong to Christ? His example to us is “When He was reviled, [He] did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten” (1 Peter 2:23). The world is watching our response to the people and circumstances around us. Anger or forgiveness or compassion is up to us. We can bear injustice, unfairness, or persecution, Jesus said, because we are part of a greater kingdom. When we are being persecuted for His sake, then God is on our side and will defend us His way. Suffering is only for a season for “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Let your response to persecution, injustice, or unfairness be like Christ—the kingdom of heaven is our future.  If you have no opposition in the place you serve, you’re serving in the wrong place. G. Campbell Morgan