Blessed Are You When People Insult You Because Of Me

BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN PEOPLE INSULT YOU BECAUSE OF ME

a prayer to open

Give me eyes to see, Lord—

to see your Kingdom, your heart, your love. Give me eyes to see.

Jesus knew what would happen to those who chose to follow him. He initiated a new order—a revolution that would upset worldly power structures, authority figures, and typical ways of thinking and acting. Thus, those who follow him—advocating peace, extending love to the hated, and serving the outcasts—are bound to be disliked as he was. In this last beatitude, he gave a preview of not only what will happen on earth (insults, persecution, and lies) but also what will happen in heaven: a great reward. If we never experience any discomfort, never hear an insult, never elicit a confused look, and never draw criticism for the way we live, we have to ask ourselves if we’re really practicing Jesus’ teachings.

• Jesus taught that there would be a cost in this life to anyone who followed him (see Luke 14:25-27). What has been the cost of following Jesus in your life? Why do you think that might be important to reflect upon from time to time?
• In what ways have you insulated yourself or compartmentalized your faith in Jesus in order to avoid persecution or ridicule? What do you fear would happen if you were more open?
• How do you sense God calling you into deeper levels of commitment and obedience to the way of Jesus? What fears, anxiety, and hesitations do you have? What would you need from God to be able to do what he’s calling you to do?

Father, thank you for the challenge of what it means to follow Jesus and the reminder that there is a cost. I want to love and serve radically—differently than the world does. I want to be brave and unconcerned for my own reputation and self-preservation. Show me where I’m acting in fear by retreating to what’s safe or what’s comfortable. Awaken me to where I’ve fallen asleep, and incite a new boldness of spirit in me so I can follow you wholeheartedly and unafraid. Open my heart and hands so I can love as Jesus modeled, no matter the cost. Amen.