“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Acts 5:40-41 ESV. They believed in the blessings of suffering. We may not experience physical persecution but we may experience social persecution or discrimination in the workplace. Even high school students are unpopular if they are holy.
When this happens we can follow the example of the apostles and rejoice when we lose out for Jesus, what greater honor is there? Remember the words of the Apostle Paul:
Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17 (NIV)
Jesus encourages us with this promise:
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
Matt. 5: 11-12 (ESV)
So when you lose out because of your principles not only do you identify more with Christ but you also receive a reward from God, saved up in heaven for you. These are the blessings of suffering.
