Those Who Live for Jesus Will Be Blessed in Reproach
Facing the wind reminds us we are moving forward with Jesus, not drifting with the world.
Devotional Credit: eManna – Those Who Are Reproached for Christ Being Blessed
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In this world, there are moments when the reason for another’s hostility toward you is not hidden—it is simply because you belong to Jesus. The devotional explains that persecution for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10) is not quite the same as persecution for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11). In the first case, you may be misunderstood or opposed because you are committed to what is right. In the second, the opposition is personal—it is aimed at Him who lives in you, and you bear it because you follow Him.
The writer reminds us that the world’s systems—political, religious, educational, commercial, and industrial—are all, in one way or another, in opposition to Jesus. Those who choose to live by Him, for Him, and with Him will inevitably come face to face with misunderstanding, ridicule, and false accusations. Sometimes this will happen because you simply refuse to join in with practices or conversations that conflict with your allegiance to Him.
These moments can arise in any setting—whether in a classroom, a corporate boardroom, a shop floor, or a small business meeting. The form of the reproach may vary, but the root is the same: the life of Jesus in you stands in contrast to the spirit of the world.
The encouragement here is clear. When this happens, you are not abandoned. The Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. In those moments, there is a nearness, a weight of His presence that turns the sting of words or rejection into a quiet blessing. What others may mean for harm, God counts as an honor.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are blessed when your loyalty to Me draws the world’s reproach. Do not be surprised when their words sting or their actions isolate you. The world did not receive Me, and it will not receive those who walk with Me. If you live by Me and for Me, you will find that your life exposes what is false, and that truth is often resisted.
When you are spoken against because of Me, remember that My Spirit rests upon you. This is not a light presence—it is the glory of God clothing you in honor in the midst of dishonor. I see, I know, and I count it all for My sake. You need not defend yourself in the face of false accusations, for I am your vindication.
Fix your eyes on Me, and let the joy set before you outweigh the discomfort of the moment. I have called you to share in My sufferings, not as a punishment, but as a privilege, that you might also share in My glory.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:10–12, 1 Peter 4:14, John 15:18–20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Romans 8:17–18, Isaiah 51:7–8, Philippians 1:29
Real-Life Analogy
Think of walking through a strong headwind. The gusts push against you, making each step more deliberate, but they also confirm that you are moving forward. If you were going the other way, the wind would be at your back, and the resistance would vanish. In the same way, when you live openly for Jesus, the opposition you meet is a sign that you are walking in step with Him, not drifting with the current of the world.
So when that resistance comes—whether it is a cutting remark at work, a cold shoulder from a friend, or whispered rumors—pause and acknowledge His presence. You might quietly affirm, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment.” Let Him be your calm in the pushback, your steady pace in the wind.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that reproach for Your name is a mark of belonging to You. I rejoice that in those moments, Your Spirit rests upon me with a glory the world cannot see. I praise You that I do not walk through opposition alone. You are my companion, my vindication, and my reward. Let every step I take in resistance be a step closer to the joy of sharing in Your glory.