“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

– Matthew 5:11-12

Notes:

In this passage, Jesus is only referring to the verbal insults from the world when christians live a crucified and Christ centered life (i.e. the coworker that mocks you, the family member who refuses to communicate with you, etc.).  However, when it is

impossible to differentiate believers from nonbelievers to the point where not a single unbeliever speaks against them, something is wrong.  As Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets” (Luke 6:26). 

Willing to Take the Challenge?

Are friends, family or coworkers slandering you, treating you harshly, or casting insults at you because of the Resurrected Lord? Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward!  On the other side of the coin, do all people speak well of you? If so, then you might need to ask yourself why not.