Christian, rejoice when you are persecuted!

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

When Jesus spoke these words, He was delivering the well-known "Sermon on the Mount." In these teachings, He presented a summary of the practical principles and values of the kingdom of God. The "Beatitudes" mark the beginning of this great discourse, introducing the inverted patterns of the "more than happy" life that Christians can experience.

When we live our faith in Christ truly and intentionally, the world will oppose us and attempt to insult and mistreat us. The Lord teaches us to be filled with joy and contentment when we are persecuted for His sake. The work of Christ is very precious! It is worth enduring hardships and affronts for the faith. The reward that God will bring will be much greater!

Rejoice in persecution:

• Pray daily to God. Ask Him for guidance and wisdom to know how to deal with persecutions.

• Do not be discouraged in your walk with God because of the difficulties you face. The Lord is by your side every moment and sustains you.

• Strengthen your faith every day with the Word of God.

• Rejoice, praise, and give thanks for the privilege of being persecuted for the sake of Jesus Christ.

• Intercede for the persecuted Church around the world. There are thousands of Christians who constantly suffer attacks on their lives and other harms because of their faith.

• Remain faithful to the Lord! Remember the example of suffering from the disciples, the apostles, and the Lord Jesus Himself, who, even when persecuted, imprisoned, and threatened with affliction and death, were faithful to the end.

• Be careful not to be persecuted for a bad testimony or for acting without wisdom!

To pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being by my side even when I am offended, treated unjustly, and persecuted for being a Christian. Help me to endure difficulties while keeping my faith strong and giving a good testimony wherever I go. Teach me to be joyful in afflictions and bring to my mind that which gives me hope. Bless all the brothers and sisters who suffer persecution around the world. I ask this and thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.

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