Pleasant Persecution?

Persecuting means "to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict", so the title of today's sermon is rather thought provoking: it seems that persecution is never "pleasant." But although persecution is not enjoyable at the time, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We can actually consider persecution a blessing, if our persecution comes because we are righteous, because we are believers.

How can this be? Because we will get repaid for our struggles not here on Earth, but in Heaven. Heaven will be a "super reward" and our struggles will be easily made up there.

So this Thanksgiving, be thankful not only for what God has given us on Earth, but for the greatest reward of all, eternal life in Heaven.

Persecution definition according to Merriam-Webster dictionary

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash