When you are persecuted, harassed, or face opposition, you need to respond with a blessing.

Jesus says in Luke 6:27-29, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also” (NLT).

Who does that? Not many people, actually. But it is what sets Christians apart, because it’s not a natural or popular or easy response.

It takes a lot of courage to do those things! Anyone can retaliate or say something mean back.

God wants you to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you, and turn the other cheek. Is that easy? No. It’s the most powerful form of witness, but you can only do it by being filled with God’s love.

When you refuse to retaliate and instead respond in love to a critic in your church or in your community, God will be pleased. And you’re going to be blessed.

Matthew 5:10-12 reminds us of God’s goodness: “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven” (NLT).

Jesus paid a price for you. He says there’s a price to be paid for following him. Popularity on Earth is not part of the guarantee of being a Christian, but your reward in heaven is a guarantee.