Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
—MATTHEW 5:10
NAYSAYERS WILL COME and go, but always remember to hold on to your faith and beliefs. My grandfather, who is a minister, used to say that the biggest compliment he could get was being called a “holy roller.” He also said that these days, that term stood for someone whose alarm went off on Sunday morning and then he rolled over and went back to sleep. If people are going to persecute you, it might as well be over something great like the love of Jesus Christ. When they do, treat them just as Jesus did, and love them anyway. Being made fun of, or persecuted, for your faith is one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian walk, but trust me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the look in people’s eyes when the kind of “payback” you give them is the love of Jesus.
Prayer
Father, please bless me, but bless my persecutors as well. When I am ridiculed for my faith, fill me with the strength to “pay them back” with the love of Jesus. Through my actions, help me show them the love You have for all of us.
—Martin