Persecution

Daily Vitamin

Persecution — “How blessed you are when people insult and persecute you and speak all kinds of cruel lies about you because of your love for Me! So leap for joy—since your heavenly reward is great. For you are being rejected the same way the prophets were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12, The Passion Translation)

Persecution comes in many forms — not just religious ones. There is age, race, sex, and nationality to name a few. Some would think that religious persecution doesn’t happen in today’s world, but let me assure you, it’s alive and doing much harm!

The craziest part is that it often comes from within the four walls of our churches. There is a sad reality that in Christianity we kick our own wounded. This aught not be. The only way this will stop is for us to stand up against it!

Persecution hurts. Yet Jesus said to count it all joy when you’re persecuted for His sake! Let His love shine in and through you to all!

Let’s Pray:

Daddy God! Help us understand the blessing that comes through persecution for Your sake. When people insult us, speak cruel lies about us, or reject us because of our love for Jesus, help us to leap for joy knowing our heavenly reward is great. Give us strength to endure persecution in all its forms - whether based on age, race, sex, nationality, or faith. Break our hearts for the persecution that happens within church walls, and give us courage to stand up against it. When persecution hurts, help Your love shine in and through us to all people. Make us like the prophets who were rejected before us but remained faithful. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Declarations:

When I am insulted, persecuted, or lied about because of my love for Jesus, I choose to leap for joy knowing my heavenly reward is great. I will not kick the wounded or participate in persecution within the church. Instead, I will stand up against all forms of persecution and let Christ's love shine through me to everyone - including those who persecute me. I am blessed to be in the company of the prophets who were rejected before me.

Be a Blessing,

Sir Gregory

#RenaissancePeople

#KingdomBrewing

#BlindSpot