Bible study thoughts...

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “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 5:9-12 NIV)

Last night at church we talked about persecution. At some point when a person chooses to give their life to Christ there will be people in their life who say "what?" And they may say other {hurtful} things or treat them differently. Or just stop interacting with them all together. It's just a given. Christ never said the life we have will be easy. He did say that He will give us peace if we are willing to accept it.

Ok back to my point about last night...
Persecution will come your way most likely because the enemy likes to strike us down. What better way than in the form of friends or family or other Christians? Say what? Other Christians? Yup. That's right. I have heard the gossip that some spew and took part of it before i knew better. You know what though? Not every person is in the same season. So that means we are all in different areas of our walk with Christ. So we are called to lift each other up in love!
Not tear others down. If you find yourself a part of being persecuted by other Christians I would say this: 1. find a friend in whom you can confide. A friend makes all the difference in the world. 2. Pray and seek him daily with reading your bible. 3. Keep moving forward. Don't let the enemy get to you. That is what he's trying to do. Don't allow satan to work thru others and steal your joy! Hold tight to Jesus! Keep going to bible study and church!
MOST importantly! It's none of your business what others think of you! ;) and don't be a victim! Finish the race strong!
I was really blessed by the study we did last night! I hope that if your in a place of persecution that this blesses you as well!
Happy Thursday, Love & Blessings friends!