Rejoicing in Insults

“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.”

Matthew 5:11-12

Persecution in our society is more subtle than in other parts of the world, but still, people here snub Christians. But don’t let it get you down, be encouraged!  Colossians says that persecution is part of what it means to fill up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

Now that means that Jesus isn’t walking on earth anymore, so people can’t shove him around. But, they can shove you. They can’t get at Jesus, but they can get at you and me. They can’t give Jesus the cold shoulder, but they can give it to us.

So, remember this the next time you are shunned at coffee break, or not invited to a certain gathering, or ignored by your neighbor.  Take it on the chin but do it with a smile.  After all, Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you…Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”