"The Words of Jesus #13 – Rejoice in Being Mistreated for Christ" by Chris Godbey

[Matthew 5:10-12 NASB95] 10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when [people] insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Being a follower of Christ is not easy. Every generation of Christians have experienced persecution for their faith in Christ. And it will be this way until Christ returns.

Have you been mistreated lately for your faith in Christ? Someone talking about you behind your back, attempting to slander your name and reputation? Or perhaps you’ve experienced physical persecution for your faith?

The flesh desires to take revenge when people mistreat us, but that is not the way of Christ or His followers. We must understand that GOD is keeping inventory of every wrong committed against us. “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath [of God,] for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord” [Romans 12:19; Deut. 32:35]. But in the same breath, know that we too will give account of our life to GOD.

Jesus goes so far to say you are blessed when people mistreat you because of the love you have for Him! In the moment it doesn’t feel as if blessing is coming our way, but looking back we can be grateful that we stayed on the side of Christ.

In closing, be encouraged if you are being mistreated for your faith in Christ, because it is confirmation you are doing right by GOD. They did the same thing to the Messiah, the very One you follow. For the Scriptures say, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” [2Timothy 3:12]