Facing Opposition

                      "Even if all the devils, the world, our neighbors,
                       and our own people are hostile to us, revile and
                       slander us, hurt, and torment us, we should regard
                       this as no different from applying a shovelful of
                       manure to the vine to fertilize it well, cutting away
                       the useless wild branches, or removing a little of
                       the excessive and hampering foliage."
                                                                Martin Luther


                            Martin Luther DID have a way with words, didn't he.

     
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                        We will be blessed when persecuted  for His sake, and rewarded in heaven.

                                           [Jesus said],

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

                                                   Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
                                                   reward in heaven, for in the same way they
                                                   persecuted the prophets who were before you."
                                                                                             Matthew 5:11-12


                        As hard as it may be, we are to love our enemies and pray for them.

                                          [Jesus said],

                                                    " But I tell you:  Love your enemies and pray
                                                       for those who persecute you ..."
                                                                                               Matthew 5:44


                       We are not to take revenge against our enemies.

                                          "When we are cursed, we bless;
                                            when we are persecuted, we endure it;
                                            when we are slandered, we answer kindly."
                                                                                               1 Corinthians 4:12b-13a


                        We are to answer with gentleness and respect, for the sake of Christ,
          who died to save His people.

                                           "Who is going to harm you if you are eager
                                             to do good?  But even if you should suffer
                                             for what is right, you are blessed.

                                             Do not fear what they fear; do not be
                                             frightened.  But in your hearts set apart Christ
                                             as Lord. 

                                             Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
                                             who asks you to give the reason for the hope that
                                             you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect,
                                             keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak
                                             maliciously against your good behavior in Christ
                                             may be ashamed of their slander.

                                             It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good
                                             than for doing evil.  For Christ died for sins once for all,
                                             the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
                                                                                                1 Peter 3:13-18a