It may seem hard to be understood that one is blessed when persecuted, but for those who carry the name of Christian know how the Lord they serve suffered persecution and it is a way of life for the believer as well(Matthew 5:10-12), Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (2 Timothy 3:12).
We are not to be ashamed but let the message of Gods glory be spoken. When we are tried in our faith and reproached for the name of Christ, it is a joy to be part of Christ’s sufferings for this shows us His spirit rests upon us(1 Peter 4:12-19). Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
When Paul and the apostles spoke the people knew their teaching was very different, and even though they were beaten they knew they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ name!(Acts 5:41-42). And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Precious Sheep Of Renown 
This is very true Julia, narrow is the way. This word for “narrow” means to be afflicted, have many trials and to be grieved often. People think that blessed must mean goodness and greatness but it is not always so with a life spent close to and in the presence of JESUS. It says few (humble, low not prideful, but in weakness) are those who find the narrow gate. GOD BLESS you Julia.
What an informative comment, Thank you so much. Yes the narrow gate is not a an easy one to enter, but when we find it the persecution and trials are more than worth it. May Gods Blessings cover you Always as you walk with Him.
Julia
I like how you dove deeper into Julia’s message when you defined the word “narrow”. I think most people glaze over that word. Personally I did not know that it meant “to be afflicted, and have many trials and to be grieved often.”
Thank you for enlightening that passage for me. God’s blessings to you.
Julia, your message is a good reminder to all who choose to walk this narrow path, that although we will face persecutions of many kinds along this path, we have the blessed assurance that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.
Have a blessed day in the Lord. ♡
May we be encouraged, Julia that no matter how many times we will be attacted, maligned, and persecuted by the world or even fellow Christians, we know that GOD sees these and blesses us. His blessing is far more greater than the impact of what people can inflict. May GOD pour His blessings to you and your family!
Amen! All we endure for the one who died for us cannot compare to be able to live in eternity with our risen Lord! God Bless you and your family also with His divine grace Always.
Julia
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