In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “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 offers us important insights for Christians facing struggles today.
First, Jesus has prepared us to face the many challenges in life.
Christians today face various challenges, including persecution, discrimination, and ridicule. In some parts of the world, being a Christian can result in imprisonment or even death. In other places, Christians may face social exclusion or ridicule for their beliefs. Even in more tolerant societies, Christians may encounter challenges when trying to live out their faith in their workplaces, schools, or communities.
If you are facing persecution as a Christian, then submit this to Jesus because He will help us in facing these things.
Second, Jesus is reminding us to stand firm.
Despite the challenges, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and to remain faithful to Jesus. As Jesus said in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” In standing our ground, we demonstrate our commitment to Jesus and our belief that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Third, Jesus tells us that He is rewarding the faithful.
Jesus reminds us that there is a great reward for those who remain faithful to Him despite the challenges they may face. Our struggles in this world are temporary, but the rewards of eternal life are everlasting. As 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
As Christians, we can take comfort in the reality that God has blest and will be blessing those who stand firm. By remaining faithful to Jesus, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and our hope in His promises.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications