Persecute: to make to run, to put to flight, to drive away. To pursue in a hostile manner, to harass, to trouble, to mistreat, to be hostile, to be accusative

(Matthew 5:10 NLT) God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

(Matthew 5:10 MSG) “You’re blessed when your commitment to Godprovokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. '

• Shows you're heading in the right DIRECTION.

(Matthew 5:11-12 NLT) "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

• Shows God WORKING in and through me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT) ... "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(2 Timothy 3:12 NCV) 'Everyone who wants to live as God desires, in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted. '

There will be a time you have to stand firm.

(Luke 21:16-19 MSG) '“You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.

(1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

• Persecution may come through people but it comes FROM the enemy!

(Psalm 143:3 NKJV) For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; ...

(Matthew 5:13-16 NLT) "You are the salt of the earth. ... "You are the light of the world... let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

1. Look OVER the offense, consider the PERSON.

(Proverbs 10:12 NLT) Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
(Proverbs 19:11 NLT) Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

• Love recognizes there's pain in the person's life.

2. Refuse to let persecution reside as UNFORGIVENESS.
(Luke 11:4 NLT) and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation."

(Colossians 3:13 NLT) Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

3. PRAY a blessing, SAY a Blessing, & BE a blessing.

(Matthew 5:43-44 NLT) "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

(Romans 12:17-21 NLT) Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.