Jul 1
The Honor of Dishonor
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Matthew 5:10 (NIV)
Many times it can bother people to be around those who are willing to go against the cultural grain and not join in with their wrongful choices or activities. That may be why Jesus concludes His message of the beatitudes with the concept “it is an honor to be dishonored”. He must have realized that if you ‘do’ the previous verses, 5:3-9, that others will be bothered.
You might be put down, made fun of, or left out for doing right and trying to walk with God. We are not to just tolerate it, but Jesus tells us in following verses (Matthew 5:12,13) that if this happens, ‘rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven’.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me the strength to do what is right. Especially when others disapprove, ridicule, or put me in a lonely situation. Motivate me with that ‘great reward’. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.