This may seem very strange. How can anyone be happy, contented, joyful and blessed when they are being persecuted and insulted? Jesus said that both the persecution and the associated blessing are a normal part of being in His kingdom: "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:20)

Persecution, of people who refuse to deny Christ, always receives God's reward. But not all suffering is because of godly faith and behaviour. Peter writes, "Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." (1 Peter 2:18-20)

Persecution may be through physical violence, hateful words, slander, libel, loss of employment, social isolation, injustice, unfair discrimination against family members, imprisonment and even death. Our natural instincts to protect possessions, home, livelihood, family, health and future are threatened by persecution. But if the hostility is because we belong to Jesus, and not because of our own foolishness, then He will enable us to rejoice. Indeed, He commands us to rejoice – not because we enjoy ill-treatment but because we will receive the same rewards as the prophets in the Bible.

Persecution is not new. It has been going on ever since Cain was jealous of his brother's righteousness and killed Abel (Matthew 23:34-35). It came to Jesus and it will come to you at some point if you are a faithful witness: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted …" (2 Timothy 3:12). So the question is not 'will I be persecuted?' but 'how will I respond to persecution?' The command of Jesus is to rejoice, and be glad that you have been counted worthy of suffering for His Name (Acts 5:41) and that He will reward you. Strengthen your own heart in this, and encourage others.