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Blessed Are The Persecuted. The first verse of this beatitude says that the disciples of Jesus can expect to be persecuted for doing good - pursuing holiness or righteousness.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NASB) Matt. 5:10 The current wave of persecution in the western world has come because Christians are declaring that certain conduct is sin. Christians are standing for holiness or righteousness just as they did in the early church.
Jesus was not talking about suffering because a disciple insulted someone, lacked grace, was unkind, committed a crime or hurt someone. God warns us that the followers of Jesus can suffer for sinful conduct. If we sin, we should not be surprised that we suffer.
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (NASB) 1 Peter 2:20 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (NASB) 1 Peter 3:17 There are times when we deserve what happens to us. If God warns us and we disobey, then we should not be surprised when heartache and suffering follow.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. (NASB) Gal. 6:7 But we can still ask for mercy. |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | |||||
