Rejoice

Matthew 5:11-12  Jesus said,  “count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Understand that goodness is sometimes appreciated and at other times scorned. You can understand some rejection or persecution as a sign that you are doing the right thing and can therefore rejoice. Sometimes when we are rejected it is because of our sin, foolishness or arrogance. Don’t assume that you are doing right just because you have peoples favor or just because they hate you. But when you suffer for doing good in His name, Rejoice!