CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: RESPONSE TO CRITICISM AND PERSECUTION

 


Matthew 5:10–12 (BSB)


«10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


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 before you.»



On the path to every great destiny, there's a season of destitution. There's

 turbulence. There's persecution. It often feels like a season of humiliation.



One of the things you'll experience in this season is criticism. How tough are

 you? How much can your conviction withstand?



For every noble cause, for every just cause, there's persecution.




The Lord says there is a blessing in enduring criticism for His sake.




The question is, what is your response supposed to be?


Aura for aura? Energy for energy? Silence for sinister?





Acts 22:6–10, 14–16 (NLT)


«[6] "As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. [7] I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'


[8] "'Who are you, Lord?' I asked.


"And the voice replied, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.' [9] The people with me saw the light but didn't understand the voice speaking to me. [10] "I asked, 'What should I do, Lord?'


"And the Lord told me, 'Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.'


[14] "Then he told me, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and hear Him speak. [15] For you are to be His witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. [16] What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.'"»




This is the way the Lord responded. He wasn't angry with him. He didn't

 thunder at him, although He did blind him—but not for long!



The Lord gave him a purpose and helped him see the way!



Why are you so distraught about the people talking about you!? The Lord

 says, "Blessed are you when they do that to you because of Me!" So, while

 God blesses you for enduring persecution, those who persist in cursing and

 opposing God's people place themselves under His judgment.



The Lord said to Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever

 curses you I will curse."





Luke 6:27–29, 32–33, 35–36 (NLT)


«[27] "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. [28] Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.


[32] "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! [33] And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!


[35] "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. [36] You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."»



So, your response is love and compassion. You don't avoid them, you don't

 ignore them, and you don't seek vengeance. You love them.



How about a gift?


"Oh, my dear sister... I saw this gown, and I couldn't imagine it looking better on anyone else but you!"


"I noticed you've outgrown the shoes you wore last Sunday. Here's a new pair for you. God bless you!"


They may even end up becoming your greatest supporters.


So, the next time you hear horrible things being said about you, smile about it.

 And if it's something that hurts you deeply, respond with love. Call them. Pray

 with them and pray for them, or give them something valuable.




A PRAYER FOR YOU


"May God's grace work in you to deal wisely with people. May He grant you

 the Spirit of patience and endurance. May He strengthen your conviction in

 righteousness and continue to bless you increasingly. Amen."


God bless you.


Shalom.




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