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No Good Deed...

    Following Christ is not an easy and glamorous lifestyle. Of course, are abundantly blessed for following Jesus, but to follow Him also means to pick up your cross daily and share in His sufferings. We live in a world that is run by Satan and his plot is always to come against anything that stands for good in this world. As Christians, that means that we will be targeted directly-- and it is only worse the more good we are doing. Yet when we are serious for Jesus, we wear it like a badge of honor to be persecuted for what is right. In fact, if you have never been persecuted, I daresay your faith is not very sincere. How do we handle persecution? By refusing to retaliate and instead praying for those who come against us and taking joy in the honor of suffering alongside Christ.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (ESV)

John 15:18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (ESV)

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (ESV)

1 Peter 3:13-17 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (ESV)

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (ESV)

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