Matthew 5:11-12 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

With a subscriber base that reaches around the globe, each day I receive reports of trials and persecution that the saints of God are experiencing. It is easy to feel true sympathy for these people.

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep I was praying and meditating about those who are experiencing persecution. Immediately I was aware that we are to rejoice with these people. Thus the Scripture I have chosen for today. The Greek word for “blessed” is “makarios.” It means to be happy to the point of rejoicing.

Why on earth would someone who is experiencing lies, persecution and insults rejoice? The reason for their harsh treatment is faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

It is essential to examine one’s life to see if the cause is the result of faith in Christ or because of some type of misconduct. We cannot claim to be persecuted for Christ’s sake if we are guilty of doing something wrong.

Here is the bottom line—if you are encountering extreme ordeals in your life, you are blessed. Both here in Matthew 5 and also in James 1 we are told to count it joy and even rejoice in our trials. We don’t need to pity, we need to praise!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- – - Pastor Cecil