persecutions

Lately I have heard some frustration about the persecution that the church has had regarding policy changes of children of same gender couples.. I too have been saddened by the persecution. As I read this scripture tonight I was reminded

First, We are asked to suffer shame for His name and second we should be happy to bear His cross, it is a blessing for us to understand better who He is through our own experiences.

Jacob 1:
8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi.

Adding to this witness are many other scriptures that come to my mind:

Matt. 5:

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

1 Peter 3:
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

John 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

It would be unusual for any person to want to be persecuted, but as we are not troubled about being spoken evil of or disrespected we are essentially denying ourselves some of our worldly lusts to be accepted.

JST Matt.16:
25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.
26 And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.

I have greatly struggled in the past to hear ill speaking of my beliefs, but as I come to know whom my Father and Jesus Christ are I realize this is a blessing for me and part of my refining proccess.

I am truly thankful that I have the chance to learn to be more patient, longsuffering and dilligent in showing Christ-like love in my life experiences.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.