"Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.

As the apostles left the Council, they were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of Jesus.

we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;

when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage; we are the scum of the earth to this very moment!

You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way.

Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison.

My enemies make trouble for me all day long; they are always thinking up some way to hurt me!

They gather in hiding places and watch everything I do, hoping to kill me.

He will answer from heaven and save me; he will defeat my oppressors. God will show me his constant love and faithfulness.

Shimei cursed him and said, "Get out! Get out! Murderer! Criminal!

You took Saul's kingdom, and now the LORD is punishing you for murdering so many of Saul's family. The LORD has given the kingdom to your son Absalom, and you are ruined, you murderer!"

When the Pharisees heard this, they replied, "He drives out demons only because their ruler Beelzebul gives him power to do so."

and said, "This man said, 'I am able to tear down God's Temple and three days later build it back up.' "

They asked Jesus, "Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you?"

For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it.

It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps.

but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.

Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.