Wednesday, July 24, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Day 9: The Beatitudes "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness"

Why Can't We Just All Get Along?

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If you have been a Christian longer than 5 minutes, you probably have realized that not everyone will understand, respect and support your faith. Adversely, many will even criticize and reject you instead.

When people reject me for whatever reason, I am not one to shake it off easily. I often wish in times of conflict that others could really understand my heart and intentions. During these times, I have to ask myself a very important question, "Am I better than Jesus?" The answer of course is a resounding "NO WAY!"

You see, when Jesus walked this earth, He loved greater and deeper than any of us ever could AND had the PUREST of motives. If Jesus - Who is perfect, loving, and completely selfless - was persecuted and hated by many, why should we expect everyone to fall at OUR feet in adoration?

There are two scriptures that have been very liberating to me in understanding the unjust and unreasonable actions of others at times:

John 15:19 "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

When you live a life FAITHFUL to God and you are surrounded by others who do NOT share your conviction, there could be a conflict between your spirit and their spirits. It really has nothing to do with any personal feelings about you but with some deeper underlying spiritual issues.

Be comforted in today's beatitude that there is a special blessing for those who are persecuted for living righteously.

Matthew 5:10-11 extends that blessing, "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..."

I challenge you today to live by Romans 1:16, "For I am NOT ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..."

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I hid my faith because of fear of rejection. It really does not matter if I am rejected by men. I live securely in the confidence that I will be accepted by YOU in eternity.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.