VERSE:
Matthew 5:11-12
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
LESSON:
The life of a "true Christian" is not always going to be smooth sailing. This verse is not meant to panic us into renouncing our faith...but merely intends to truthfully tell us and to encourage us to "stay our course". Not everyone will be happy to hear the "Good News". Some may give you a hard time or just ignore you. Other, as this verse warns, may "...insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you..." Why? Because they can not bring themselves to accept Jesus. What reward can you expect from such treatment? In this world...there are no promises. In the next world...this verse promises us that "...great is your reward in heaven...".
