As Jehovah's Witnesses, we understand the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10: "Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of the heavens." While facing hardship for our faith may not seem inherently joyful, it can be a source of strength and reaffirmation that we're walking the path God has laid before us.
Just as the apostles in the first century endured persecution for preaching about Jesus (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27, 28, 40), many of our brothers and sisters around the world continue to face similar challenges today. Whether it's legal restrictions, societal discrimination, or personal opposition, their unwavering faith and commitment to God's word shines brightly.
Remember, experiencing persecution doesn't mean we actively seek it out. Our primary focus remains on peacefully sharing our beliefs and living according to God's principles. Yet, when faced with challenges, we draw strength from the example of the apostles, who boldly declared, "We must obey God as ruler rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Like them, we too may find ourselves rejoicing "because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Jesus’] name" (Acts 5:41). This joy doesn't come from relishing the hardship itself, but from the deep-seated conviction that we're standing firm for what is right, upholding God's sovereignty, and remaining loyal to his Kingdom.
Let us continue to learn from the courage and resilience of our fellow believers both past and present, drawing inspiration from their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Remember, brothers and sisters, even amidst challenges, we can find joy in knowing that we're walking the path of righteousness, and that Jehovah will never abandon those who remain faithful to him (Hebrews 13:5).
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