Daily Journal: 13 March

Command A Blessing

Matthew 5:10-11

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

People are generally intolerant of others and those who are different to them. At times, we all face people who ridicule or insult us. We all meet people who seem to take a dislike to us. And we all experience opposition and some of us, even outright hatred because of who we are or what we believe in.

Jesus says, that’s ok because when that happens, I’m going to bless you. Don’t worry about them. Leave them to me and don’t be afraid, don’t carry offense against them (don’t fall down a rabbit hole of negative emotions and so, carry a heart wound yourself). Forgive them. If they don’t repent for the way they treat you, they’re accountable to me. And that’s a dreadful thing. Fear the one who has control over the eternal soul, not those ones who mistreat you or badmouth you.

Matthew 10:28 (NIV)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Proverbs 19:11 (BSB)

A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Romans 12:19 (NLT)

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.

If you’re wronging someone – in any way – address it.

Hebrews 10:31 (AMP)

It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].

If you’re wronging someone – in any way – seek forgiveness and you’ll be forgiven.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

God is a God of mercy but He is a just and righteous God and He comes against the proud and haters.

Matthew 12:36 (GNT)

"You can be sure that on the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken.

Pray for each other. When we pray for each other and come into unity, The Lord commands a blessing.

Psalm 133:1-3 (NCV)

It is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in peace! It is like perfumed oil poured on the priest’s head and running down his beard. It ran down Aaron’s beard and on to the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Mount Hermon falling on the hills of Jerusalem. There the Lord gives his blessing of life forever.

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”