[Mat 5:11 NKJV] Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
This doesn’t sound like much of a blessing, does it? The first time I was aware that someone was spreading false information about us and our ministry, the spirit of betrayal approached me like a wave coming up from the sea trying to knock me over.
I’m sure it wasn’t the first time it happened, but it was the first time I knew what was being said and by whom. It was also the first time I realized other people were believing it. False rumors can produce a very helpless feeling. Lies are going out about us and we have no control over who believes it.
My reaction was somewhat surprising though, even to me. I rejoiced with the Spirit of God within me. “Hallelujah,” I thought, “we are blessed.”
There is a way of escape in the Word of God for every temptation. Persecution is meant to cause us to flee, to drive us away from the path God has laid out before us. Persecution wants to cause us to give up the Word of God that’s begun to grow in our hearts and God’s plan for our lives. (Mark 4:17)
The Word of God gives us specific wisdom to deal with persecution:
- Know you are blessed (Matt 5:11)
- Know it’s not your fault, it’s not because of wrong you have done (John 15:18)
- Pray for and bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14)
As I began to bless this person and pray for them, the feeling of betrayal and the desire to run away when I saw them again began to dissipate and I was strengthened. If we do not bless them and pray for them, we will not be able to get the effect of the persecution off us. This wisdom is the key to block the shame, self-doubt, unforgiveness and hatred that tries to creep in on us. Praying for and blessing the person(s) opens our heart to understand it’s not flesh and blood, it is demonic spirits sent from the enemy behind the persecution with an assignment to stop the will of God in our life.
Rejoice when you are persecuted knowing you are in good company with Jesus and a great cloud of witnesses. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:11)
[Rom 12:14 NKJV] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
[Mat 5:44 NKJV] 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
[John 15:18 NKJV] 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
Beautifully stated. Solid Truth! ❤️