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Being Persecuted
Dealing With Abuse
John 5:44 (NIV) How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? It’s easy to succeed if you have everyone’s support and approval. The place where your attitudes and character get tested is when you get criticized, verbally abused, rejected, and lied against. If you are a people pleaser, persecution will be very hard on you. If your confidence and esteem are based on the opinions of people, you will be deeply hurt when persecuted. If you use human systems and efforts to just not care what people think or say, it will cut you off from being able to love others. The only way to be WILLING to be persecuted is to allow Jesus to empower you.
Who Are You Trying To Impress?
2 Cor 5:9 (NIV) So we make it our goal to please Him (Jesus), whether we are at home in the body or away from it. There ARE people who want to be helped by Jesus; however, very often they aren’t the most verbal people in the crowd. Most of these people suffer quietly and don’t let anyone know about their pain. In between these hurting people and you are people who hate Jesus and Christianity. If they find out you are a Christian, they will make it one of their top priorities to shut you up. If the enemies of Jesus can hurt you, persecute you, and that resistance can stop you from getting to those who want Jesus’ help, then Satan has succeed in his goal. But, if you care about hurting people and what Jesus thinks, you will be able to “do what it takes” to push through all the resistance.
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Giving Your Attitudes And Character Joy
Heb 12:2 (NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. If you don’t let Jesus fill your heart with the joy of all the benefits you are going to receive, you won’t be able to endure persecution. It will get easier to be persecuted as you see Jesus do wonderful things in people’s lives. As you look back at all the things people did to discourage you in sharing Jesus, and, as you compare that with how blessed and happy the new Christian is, you will get stronger in your ability to be persecuted.
The Rewards
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me: First of all, this Scripture is telling you that you get the blessings of God for being willing to face persecution. Second, because you are willing to be persecuted, yours is the kingdom of heaven. Third, Jesus is ready to put some wonderful emotions into your heart when you are persecuted: Rejoice and be glad. He isn’t asking you to produce rejoicing and gladness; He is speaking it into your heart. Fourth, Rejoice and be glad, BECAUSE great is your reward in heaven. Persecution is causing you to lay up special treasures, rewards, and opportunities in eternity. You are making great investments in your eternal future. Fifth, you are in great company: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
An Attitude And Character Adjustment
Rom 8:18 (NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Pray and ask Jesus to put this same attitude in your heart that is expressed in this verse.
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