“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 6:11-12 HCSB
A county clerk in Kentucky decided to follow her religious convictions and would not give marriage licenses to same-sex couples even though the Supreme Court had made the decision that same-sex marriages were legal. She was persecuted because of her Christian beliefs. Many people called her names and said evil things against her. Eventually the judge ordered that she should go to jail. Another Christian couple was fined because they refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. It seems that more and more Christians are being persecuted for their beliefs.
Jesus warned His disciples and followers that they would be persecuted because of their beliefs. Most of the early disciples of Christ died a martyr’s death because of their faith in Christ. Today, many people are killed around the world because of their Christian beliefs. Here in America Christians may not be killed, but they are often persecuted.
Challenge: Count it joy and be glad when you are persecuted because you are a Christian. Pray that God will give you strength to face persecution and ridicule for your beliefs.