THE REWARD OF SUFFERING FOR JESUS
Matthew 5:10-12
" 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' "
Persecution for Christ's sake takes many forms. It may be a disparaging word. It may be lost job opportunities or advancement. It may be isolation or abandonment by family and friends. It may even be torture and death. (Suffering from sickness does not count unless it is a result of ministry for Jesus.) But to be honest, much of what I consider persecution is not because of my faith, but is a result of my own foolishness, lack of wisdom, or plain stupidity. When I suffer because of my faith, I have a choice: I can either gripe, grumble, complain, and protest, or I can follow the example of the Apostle Paul who experience much persecution: "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" (Colossians 1:24). Feeling sorry for myself may make me feel good, but rejoicing and gladness bring more eternal reward in the kingdom.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Suffering for Jesus brings great eternal rewards.
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Have a happy day. Love you.
Matthew 5:10-12
" 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' "
Persecution for Christ's sake takes many forms. It may be a disparaging word. It may be lost job opportunities or advancement. It may be isolation or abandonment by family and friends. It may even be torture and death. (Suffering from sickness does not count unless it is a result of ministry for Jesus.) But to be honest, much of what I consider persecution is not because of my faith, but is a result of my own foolishness, lack of wisdom, or plain stupidity. When I suffer because of my faith, I have a choice: I can either gripe, grumble, complain, and protest, or I can follow the example of the Apostle Paul who experience much persecution: "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" (Colossians 1:24). Feeling sorry for myself may make me feel good, but rejoicing and gladness bring more eternal reward in the kingdom.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Suffering for Jesus brings great eternal rewards.
[end]
Have a happy day. Love you.
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