“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven…” – Matthew 5:11-12
In the New Testament, before Saul became Paul, he was a religious terrorist – persecuting, arresting, and, at times, even approving the killing of Christians.
But Paul’s real hostility was not so much at the church as it was with Jesus.
Christians, please realize this important point.
And as you go through life:
- when you are mocked by others
- when you feel excluded by others
- when you feel persecuted by others…recognize that these people are not really angry with you as a person.
They’re angry because you love Jesus.
They probably have absolutely no idea, but their battle isn’t with the “Christians,” per se. It’s because of Who that Christians profess to believe in – and His name is Jesus.
Whoever it is that gives you a hard time for being a Christian, don’t take it personally. Instead, seek to love them, forgive them, and pray for them.
Who knows? Your positive witness to them may convict their hearts of their need for Jesus.
They may see in you what they want for themselves.
What if the only Jesus they see is in you?
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
