"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie, and say all kinds of evil things about you because of me. “ Matthew 5:11
Webster defines a Christian as “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” The definition for profess is “to declare or admit openly or freely.” So when we put those together, a Christian is someone who will declare or admit freely their belief in the teachings of Christ. That is getting harder to do these days. Teachers in public schools can lose their job if they mention their beliefs in the classroom. Displays of Christianity isn't allowed in various Government buildings, and most people get very uncomfortable when you mention the name of Jesus or say anything about your beliefs. I've even been in churches where people were chatting in the foyer of the building and watched as they became uncomfortable when someone talked about Jesus or about the study lesson they just had. We should never hide our belief in Jesus or be afraid to speak up for Christianity. There will always be someone who doesn't want to hear anything to do with Christianity and who will make life difficult because of your beliefs. But don't let that silence you. Jesus wasn't liked by a lot of people either and He was put to death by them. Jesus allowed them to kill Him to pay for your sins and mine, so don't hide Him. Speak up! Let Him shine through in your actions.
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me before it hated you. If you had anything in common with the world, the world would love you as one of its own. But you don't have anything in common with the world. I chose you from the world, and that's why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19
In Matthew 5:11 Jesus said we are blessed when these things happen to us. How is it that we are blessed by such an awful thing? Look at James 1:2-4;
“My brothers count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of your faith works patience. But let patience have its perfective work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory-the Spirit of God-is resting on you. If you suffer, you shouldn't suffer for being a murderer, thief, criminal, or troublemaker. If you suffer for being a Christian, don't feel ashamed, but praise God for being called that name.” 1Peter 4:14-16
When you are insulted or persecuted for your belief in Christ, your best action is to immediately turn to God for help. He will walk through it with you. Never be ashamed for being called a Christian. There is no better name or higher honor than to be identified as a member of the family of Christ. Let your trials drive you to your knees and press you closer to Jesus. Let Him so fill your life that He spills out in your actions and words.