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From Heaven With Love
can create true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted
in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and
dissension.
The Multitudes Were Amazed
The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the
possession of the things of this world, and that fame and honor were
to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi” and to
be extolled as wise and religious. But Jesus declared that earthly
honor was all such persons would ever receive. A convincing power
attended His words. Many were convinced that this remarkable
Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God.
After explaining how true happiness may be obtained, Jesus
pointed out the duty of His disciples. He knew that they would often
be insulted, and their testimony rejected. The humble men who
listened to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment,
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and death, and He continued:
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against
you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great
is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you.”
The world loves sin and hates righteousness, and this was the
cause of its hostility to Jesus. The light of Christ sweeps away the
darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made man-
ifest. Those who yield to the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves;
those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.
Thus Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people.
But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity.
They are treading the path trodden by the noblest of earth. Each
fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each conflict will add to
the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their
faith will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded.
“Ye are the salt of the earth.” Do not withdraw yourselves from
the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among
men, that the savor of divine love may be as salt to preserve the