Promises to the Persecuted

Persecution comes in many forms for the believer, including being mocked, criticized, ridiculed, ostracized, treated with hostility, and sometimes even martyrdom. [1] We see three types of persecution in this text:

• Being reviled—insulted, mocked, scolded, verbally abused
• Persecuted—attacked, hurt, tortured, martyred
• All kinds of evil spoken against you—slander, gossip, cursed, lied about

When the Christian lives for the Lord, there will be those who will revile, persecute, and speak evil of them. This happens because of the evil of this world. It is to be expected. When we live and display true love, justice, and the desire to see others come to faith in Jesus, opposition is to be expected.

When we live out God’s word, expose sin, and lead people to Christ, we should anticipate opposition and slander. That’s the world’s response to righteousness.

How are we to respond? Many believers struggle with wanting to take revenge for the hurt caused to us and those we love but know that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Some cower into a corner and hide their faith because of the hurt. Still, others live loud and prideful lives because of the hurt they have experienced.

Our best response to persecution is joy and gladness; this is our Higher Ground! Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” The Lord is a rewarder, and He rewards our words, deeds, and actions. When we are tested, let’s pass the test because He promised us great rewards in heaven.

Reflective Questions

1. How have you been hurt by persecution because of your faith in Jesus?
2. Where are you in the process of healing from persecution; still wounded, healing, healed but remember the scars?
3. Do you focus more on the blessings or the wounds of living out your faith?

Memory Verse

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, I know I live in a sinful world, and when I try to live for You, I will experience persecution. Help me when I go through these trying times to keep my focus on You and not the world around me. Help me to respond to persecution with joy and gladness.

Related Scriptures

I Peter 4:12–14; Luke 21:17; Mark 13:13; Matthew 24:9; Isaiah 66:5; Matthew 10:39; Revelation 2:3

[1] Leadership Ministries Worldwide, The Gospel according to Matthew: Chapters 1:1-16:12, vol. 1, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2004), 66.