“11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
Blessed Are They Who Are Scorned, and Suffer Hate for Me
As human beings, we often don’t hesitate to judge and condemn anyone who disagrees with us or doesn’t look or act as we do, which can lead to dangerous consequences; the uncomfortable truth is that hateful judgements can incite violence. In the case of Christianity in the world today, we read of Christians being imprisoned and even executed for their faith, continuing the Christian history of brutality and acute suffering. If not killed outright, some people who confess faith in Jesus Christ are disowned and actually considered dead by their families. According to Matthew 5:11-12 believers who live in faith of Jesus, despite all injustices, receive great welcome by the Lord of Hosts in heaven.
During the May meditation, we will reflect more upon this challenging beatitude.
Blessings to All,
Rev. Mary Powell
