Heart ChecksSample

Be Strong

Today, we’re looking at the eighth and final Beatitude. Here, Jesus talks about something all of us need—spiritual strength. As values in culture differ from the biblical values we live by, we need Jesus’ perspective and power to stand strong. In Matthew 5:10, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, Scripture is saying, “Happy are you when you follow the way of Jesus and experience persecution. When you do–you’ll experience Heaven’s blessing on earth.”

Jesus made it clear we are going to experience resistance, even persecution, as we build our lives on the Word of God. He teaches us how to respond when life gets tough. This is also the only Beatitude where Jesus gives us extra commentary. He continues in verses 11-12: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Friend, we shouldn’t be surprised when persecution comes—Jesus went through it. The Apostles endured persecution. The church has for 2,000 years. Thankfully, He also tells us in John 15 how we can live strong and even flourish in the face of persecution. Let’s learn how to stand strong in the face of persecution:

1. Accept pruning as God’s process.

In John 15:1-2, Jesus says: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” You see, the responsibility of a vinedresser or gardener is to care for the vines so they can produce fruit… abundant fruit—no matter the storms or seasons. As the Ultimate Vinedresser, God removes the excess that keeps us from reaching our potential. He washes and prunes away selfishness, insecurity, bitterness, worry, and other harmful things that hold us back. Pruning, often through adversity, tribulation, and persecution, presses you into Christ and grows your faith.

2. Live planted.

Next, Jesus shows us how to prepare today for the inevitable storms and persecution of tomorrow. Jesus says in John 15:4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” If you want to live strong and fruitful—it starts with abiding. The verb abide in this verse means to live, to remain, to dwell, and to endure. Because Jesus is the vine, the only Source of life, branches that abide in Him look different—they’re vibrant and overflowing with joy and love in spite of their circumstances and opposition.

3. Always persist.

Don’t take it personally when persecution shows up on your doorstep. Jesus warned us in John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” Remember—not everyone is going to like you if you become a Christian. They didn’t like Jesus either. Love them anyway. Serve them anyway. Watch the kingdom of God be established as you persist!

Today’s heart check: Am I standing strong with a smile on my face—or am I caving to culture and cratering in self-pity?

After you reflect, bring everything to God in prayer.