Matthew 5:11 says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

I want you to notice that Jesus said that the reason why we are insulted, persecuted and lied about is because of Jesus himself.

This is not just because someone identifies themselves as a Christian. This is not just because someone says they are a follower of Jesus Christ, creating him to be what they wish him to be.

The truth is that it is what Jesus represents that bothers people and causes them to react negatively. The question is, what does he represent?

He is not a figure of tolerance and compromise. He definitely doesn’t represent sin and unrighteousness. He does represent love, but it still is an attitude that hates sin but yet loves the sinner.

He represents everything that is holy, right and just. He represents selflessness not selfishness, sacrifice not indulgence, purity not impurity and light not darkness.

Jesus is saying that when we truly have the same attitude as Jesus and live a life that reflects his values then some will treat us the same way they treated him.

The good news is that everyone doesn’t react negatively to those who truly represent Jesus. There are those who are hungry for a change. They are seeking a better life. They will decide to become followers of Jesus because of the life change they see lived out in others.