A Loser’s Reward
Be Happy

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 5:9-12

Key Verse: Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Whenever we read the word “blessed” in the Bible, the original language used the word “makarios.”  That Greek word had one simple meaning: happy.  Read our printed key verse for today as those in Jesus’ day heard it: “Be happy when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”  Wow!  That seems almost impossible.  How can we be happy about being mistreated?

            Jesus said that if we are being mistreated because we are living out His principles, we should be happy because of the rewards that are awaiting us!  Remember, Jesus is referring to Christ followers who are being mistreated because they are Christ followers.  Too often we are being mistreated because we are not doing what we ought to do, and someone reacts to that poor behavior.  That behavior will never be rewarded!

            Think for a moment about what kind of reward it would have to be that you would be happy to be mistreated for Jesus’ sake?  For Jesus to make this statement, it means He knows the quality and quantity of that reward.  Once we experience that reward, we will not longer think Jesus’ statement was extreme!  Let’s do our best to believe that Jesus indeed knows how great our reward is, therefore, “be happy” today!  We may miss out on some worldly favors, but don’t worry—great is your reward.

Father, I choose to believe in the great reward.  I choose to be happy today!  I praise you for your goodness and faithfulness to me!  In Jesus’ name, amen.