it sure takes a bgger man (or woman) to love and bless those who abuse them for the name of Jesus – its actually a very powerful way to live – a jesus way to live – where grace and mercy rule.

I think peter’s encouragement to Christians to remember that everyone will stand before judge Jesus and have to give an account is very helpful when our ability to stand firm for Christ is hampered by concern about the abuse we are recieving from pagan friends.

It is helpful to be reminded that even though we stand exposed before the world to be judged (and possibly ridiculed) now – that its our final judgement before Christ that really matters

“i weep for you now
what’s coming upon you

fires of hell
made for the devil and his angels
and those who choose to go
there’s no life, no joy, no sound of laughter there
no music to soothe the soul
only the sound of weeping, crying, grinding of teeth
over how things could have been
consumed by the flames of remorse and regret
they’ll be outside looking in

i weep for you now
what’s coming upon you”

So when experiencing rejection or ridicule for following Jesus, it may make me feel a bit better to think ‘one day you will have to account before God (and you’re going to a bad place)’ – but i remember how Jesus ministered to those who persecuted him, even as they were killing him…. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24).

Loving those who don’t love me – ministering to those who ridicule me – mmmmm……. something i need to be better at!