“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” MATTHEW 5:11 NLT

There’s no escaping criticism, nor the wounds it can cause. But moments of censure can be opportunities for you to experience God’s power if you’ll respond in a manner that honors Him.

The truth is, when you’re living in obedience to the Savior, others will persecute you for it. Instead of retaliating, Scripture admonishes you to respond by doing good to, praying for, and forgiving the people who attack you—in the hope that they’ll “come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2: 26).

This isn’t easy, but you can trust God to work through your obedience to Him. He promises to vindicate you, heal you, and give you a deeper understanding of all Jesus did for you.

So when others criticize you, don’t lose heart or strike back. Rejoice that it’s an opportunity for Him to reveal Himself powerfully— both to you and to your accusers.

Lord, whenever people persecute and criticize, help me respond in a manner that glorifies You and leads them to repentance, amen.

In His presence . . . forgive those who persecute you.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F. (2014-11-11). Every Day in His Presence (p. 270).