“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” (Luke 6:22–23, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Not everyone will appreciate the light that believers reflect. Many will, in fact, be downright hostile. There will come a time when we must move on a leave them in the darkness. Only the Holy Spirit can draw them into the light. As for us, there is no greater honor than to be hated, excluded, insulted, or rejected because of our relationship to Christ. “Rejoice… and leap for joy.” But mourn for them.
My Advice – “I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” (Psalm 31:13–15, NIV 1984). Such should be our prayer in the face of ill-treatment. We won’t always be delivered, but we will be rewarded.
The Brew Is A Musing 