We live in a world boiling over with hate, division, and frustration. Scroll through your news feed, and you’ll see it—anger everywhere, hopelessness on display, and a growing lostness that’s breaking families, communities, and even churches apart. People are desperate to find meaning, yet they lash out at the very things that could bring them peace. And if you stand for Christ in the middle of this storm, you will not be applauded—you will be ridiculed, rejected, and even reviled.
But here’s the truth Jesus spoke on the mountaintop that still cuts through the noise today. In Matthew 5:11–12, He said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Notice that Jesus didn’t say if this happens, but when. He knew the condition of the human heart. He knew that standing for Him would draw fire from the world. And He also knew that His followers would need encouragement to keep speaking truth anyway.
That’s why, when the world says “sit down,” the Word tells us “go anyway.” When culture says “stay quiet,” the Spirit whispers “speak truth anyway.” And when society calls evil good and good evil, Scripture reminds us that our reward is not here—it is in heaven.
The hopelessness we see around us should not silence us. It should stir us. Because the darker the night becomes, the brighter the light of Christ shines. This world does not need more silence—it needs more truth. It doesn’t need more hate—it needs more love. Not love defined by feelings, but love defined by the cross.
And Jesus didn’t just tell us to brace ourselves for rejection—He gave us the Great Commission, a command to go anyway. In Matthew 28:19–20, He says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So yes, you may be mocked. You may be rejected. People may twist your words, slam your faith, or label you intolerant. But don’t forget—you are in good company. The prophets endured it. The apostles endured it. Jesus Himself endured it. And the same Spirit that sustained them lives in you.
And here’s something else to remember—you’re planting seeds. You might think no one is listening, but one day, someone could walk up to you and say, “Thank you. I was rotten to you. I mocked you. But you kept telling me about Jesus—and that truth changed my life.” You never know what God will do with the seed you faithfully sow.
This is not the time to retreat. It’s the time to stand. To walk into the brokenness with the boldness of Christ. To carry hope where the world has none. To speak truth into the lies that enslave people. To remind a hurting generation that there is still a God who saves, still a cross that redeems, and still a Savior who lives.
So take courage. Step forward. Speak up. Plant the seed. Go anyway. Because no matter the resistance, no matter the ridicule, your reward is secure. And when all is said and done, the only words that will matter are the ones we long to hear from Jesus Himself: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”