16/01/2017 - REPROACHED IN HONOR

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If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  1 Peter 4.14

All around the world, born again Christians pay a high price. They are cursed, persecuted, and killed for believing in Jesus. This aggression happens because other people do not understand the Gospel. Therefore, they feel humiliated, for Christians do not approve their sinful practices, and even so, they are happy and fulfilled in Christ.

Never be frustrated because of confrontation. If you owe nothing to the devil, the reproach against your life makes you become blessed. Therefore, do not think about filing a lawsuit against those that are used by the enemy to frustrate you. A Christian has the obligation to pray, with all of his heart, that his persecutors may be converted.

The best thing is to rest in the glory of God, which brings the certainty that you have done nothing to deserve the reproach or any other attack from hell. It would be unfortunate if you were proved a homicide, a thief, a wrongdoer, or a dishonest person. However, if the reason that the world mistreats you is for your love for God, weep and shout for joy, for you are successful in your faith.

If it pleased the Father for some people to go through reproach and suffering, it may be that they are called to reach out for the salvation of those who oppress them. Then, in little time, what seemed to be loss will become a great blessing. Whoever suffers for Jesus must rejoice for being chosen by the Most High to participate in His eternal reward.

Those who are reproached should give glory to God because of their suffering, for the Omniscient chose them to do a work that is greater than what they think. Nothing happens to us if not prepared and allowed by Him. If we do wrong and do not repent, Satan will ask for us (Luke 22.31), and the permission may be granted. However, if we are innocent, our blessing will be great.

The Name of Jesus is sovereign in our lives. With Him, we can defeat the enemy, enter in the divine presence to solve a situation, and obtain our solution. However, this Name can make us suffer much because of the power that He gives. The tempter knows that many do not want to suffer persecution for the love of God. Therefore, he will do everything he can so that those who suffer for His Name may give up their faith.

Never be tired of the afflictions that you may have to pass because of the Gospel. What is important is that the Spirit of the glory of Christ is upon you, and He is with you so that you can demand the evil forces to be destroyed and no longer oppress you. The proof that the Almighty chose you is His love in you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares