Inevitable Insults

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Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” – NIV

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are you IF people insult you.” He says when. It is a given. Those who live as disciples in this world will get on the nerves of their culture. There is an inherently abrasive relationship between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men. The reason is insanely simple: God and men are rivals for the same throne.

Jesus is an offense to the ego of this world, and as a part of Him, we become that as well. In our natural selves, we see ourselves as lords of our own lives. The world cannot accept a Savior when it is busy “saving itself”. It all boils down to human nature; to live compatibly with Christ violates the human ego.

“Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,” Peter says in 1 Peter 4.

Know that our Savior is a threat to the prideful and expect nothing less than full on battle.