• 1 Peter 4:12-14
    Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
     
  • Matthew 5:10-12
    Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
     
  • Hebrews 10:32-34
    But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
     
  • James 1:2
    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
     
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7
    In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
     
  • 1 Peter 2:19-20
    For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
     
  • 1 Peter 4:16
    Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Suffering, Rejoicing in


Resources

A Look at Christian Suffering (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Even suffering that may not be as a direct result of our faith is part of the trials of this age. It will bear positive fruit if it is approached in faith.


Self-Examination, Not Self-Preoccupation

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

There is a critical difference between self-examination and self-preoccupation. We must accurately assess our spiritual state without becoming self-absorbed.


The Fifth Seal (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.


The Hard Makes it Great

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The hard things God wants us to do are preferable to the harsh bondage to sin. The hardness makes us hardy enough to be included in the first harvest.


The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.


Facing Persecution

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

How does Jesus Christ expect us to face persecution? The Scripture show how Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets approached the persecutions they endured.


Joy and Trial

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

What does the Bible mean when it says we should count it all joy when you fall into various trials? What is this joy we must experience, and how do we come by it?


Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Suffering, Rejoicing in