Kids can be cruel to each other. And so can adults. It is especially cruel when someone Is picked on because of their faith. In the beatitudes, Jesus said, “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, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:11-12).”

Just one verse before, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).” You will be ridiculed for taking an unpopular stand for the sake of righteousness. When this happens, Jesus is saying to rejoice about it. You are blessed because of your stance.

The apostle Paul explains all the hardships he encountered because of his faith in 2 Corinthians 6:3-9. Then, he says he was, “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (2 Corinthians 6:10).” He gave up everything to follow Jesus and to seek and save the lost. But, he saw that in giving up everything in this temporal life, he possessed everything that matters for all eternity. All for the glory of Jesus. Knowing this, he could rejoice always.

How do you need to change your thinking so that you can rejoice through all things?

1. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this directive?

2. What are you going to do about it?

3. Who are you going to tell?