Bite the Bullet

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

Are you ready for rejection and ridicule to lead you to blessing?

Jesus often says counterintuitive things: You’re blessed when you mourn, fortunate when you’re broken, and in today’s verse He declares you are happy when you are persecuted. Usually, you might think you are blessed if you can dodge the bullet; not bite the bullet.

Living in the United States, it is somewhat difficult to wrap our minds around what Jesus is saying. We do not experience many types of persecution that our brothers and sisters experience around the world. But the reality of living here is that when you are faithful as a follower of Jesus, you do experience persecution. 

The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him…” (Philippians 1:29, NIV) Believing in Jesus and suffering for Jesus go together. In other words, as a follower of Jesus, you have to recognize the reality of persecution.

Why will you be persecuted? Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”. You would understand if you get persecuted for doing something wrong, breaking a law, or committing a crime. But Jesus says you will be persecuted for doing what’s right and standing up for the truth. 

In other words, when you stand and speak up for what God says is right, you will be treated harshly. Our culture seems to promote the idea of “tolerance”. By that, the world means that you must accept and agree that everyone can define their own “truth” – except the Christian. When a Jesus follower speaks about the truth, you are often ridiculed, mocked, or even harassed. 

And when this happens, Jesus says, you are also blessed. When you respectfully speak up about the value of the born and the unborn, you may be rejected or publicly humiliated. It is not a matter of “if” you will be persecuted. It is a question of when, where, and how much.

And it is also not a question of “if” you will be blessed. Jesus promises His full blessing whenever and wherever you are criticized and rejected for the sake of righteousness. So don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love, because no matter how your culture reacts, your King will bless you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching me that living in Your truth means I will be blessed and also experience rejection and ridicule. Help me cling to You more than I desire the approval of others. May I stand boldly upon Your Word, and treat those who disagree or mock me with respect and dignity – the way You treated me when I was Your enemy. In the name of Jesus and for His sake, amen.