Jesus: "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and at peace. In this godless world you will experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 (Mes)
Jesus: "The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Remember, a servant is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you too." John 15:19-20 (NLT)
HOW TO RESPOND TO HARASSMENT
1. RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE BEHIND THE BULLY
"We are not fighting against human beings, but against wicked spiritual forces . . ." Ephesians 6:12 (TEV)
2. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
"You, dear children, are from God and you have overcome the world, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world!" 1 John 4:4
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you O God and I praise your word! I trust in you God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?"
Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT)
ACTION PLAN: Memorize Psalm 56:3-4. To help you memorize, try using the tune of a familiar song and replace the words with these verses.
3. REFUSE TO RETALIATE
"If someone has done you wrong, NEVER pay back evil with evil. Instead try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, '"I will avenge you and, I will pay them back," says the Lord.'" Romans 12:17-19
4. RESPOND POSITIVELY
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
ACTION PLAN: Are your enemies on your prayer list? Add them to your list and ask Jesus to show you how to be His hands and feet to them.
5. REFOCUS ON WHAT GOD SAYS IT MEANS
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because it means God's Spirit rests on you." 1 Peter 4:14
- It means God's Spirit can be seen in me
"The apostles were full of joy that God considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for Jesus' name." Acts 5:41
- It means God can trust me
"These troubles . . . won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever!" 2 Cor. 4:17 (LB)
- It means God's going to bless me
6. REMEMBER YOUR REWARD
Jesus: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
"Since we are God's children . . . if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share in his glory!" Romans 8:17 (TEV)
7. REMAIN FAITHFUL
"So those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Peter 4:19
"Everyone who wants to live as God desires, in Christ Jesus, will be hurt." 2 Tim. 3:12 (NCV)
Jesus: "Anyone who has given up houses, or lost brothers or sisters or father or mother or children, or lost property for my sake, will receive back a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life." Matthew 19:29
Jesus: "If you are ashamed of me and my commands in this godless and sinful generation, I'll be ashamed of you when I come back in glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:38 (TEV)
"But for those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my Father in heaven!" Matthew 10:32 (TEV)
ACTION PLAN: Write a statement of personal commitment to God that there is never a big enough reason in your life to not proclaim publicly your faith in Jesus.
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship is all about books! Looking for new books to help you grow in your faith, check out this week's Book Discovery Special. New episodes release every Tuesday. To listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here
