50 Teachings of Christ: #4 Rejoice

Matthew 5: ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

James 1: 2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2 Corinthians 6 ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Takeaway:( Be sure to read around all scriptures to get full context)

If someone has fallen short, sinned, backslid, we should reaffirm our love to them, forgive and encourage them in their walk. We must stay in LOVE, to outwit Satan’s schemes. As Paul, we too can be tormented by dark angels of Satan. We must boldly pray against these attacks and have others pray for us too. In our weaknesses, our dependence and reliance on the Father is usually greater. We are made stronger through leaning on Him, challenges should intensify your dependence-closeness. If we take a stripe for him through persecution, we connect with him on a deeper spiritual level. Each challenge we face in life is a test. Will we stay calm, trust, show grace and love under pressure? We must not fall into the enemies trap of: complaining, depression, negativity, anger, outbursts, impatience, worry, anxiety and so forth. Negative reactions and emotions are like blood in the water to the enemy and his dark workers. They feed on that negative emotion and oppress even further, a lot of our suffering starts in our minds. When we keep our eyes fixed on the promises and the love of God, the light outshines the darkness. You will receive crowns in heaven for the grace you show under pressure. When we choose to focus on the eternal, we have internal peace.