Only Jesus is our teacher and our leader. We follow Him alone.

“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5

What does Jesus say about our enemies, and what does He say we should do when people say all kinds of evil things about us?

"And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

We are supposed to face trials and tribulations. Be prepared for it, as if it were a privilege. Jesus will not leave us, nor will He forsake us, even when we fail and fall short.

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;" Romans 8:29

Do not judge your brother, and do not persecute those who are your enemies. Instead, like Jesus, love your enemies and love those who persecute you and say all kinds of evil about you.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you men like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” Luke 22:31-34

We are not to consider these trials to be weird or burdensome, we are to expect them.

"But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters… And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ."
Matthew 23:8, 10

People are not a FAMILY, we are HIS CHILDREN, HIS CHURCH, and HIS BRIDE. We are to LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS WE LOVE JESUS.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." Luke 6:37

We are HIS CHURCH. He will keep us safe from all harm and evil.

"But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows." Luke 12:7

We are not to worry or fret over the enemy, because Jesus has already defeated him.

"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" Romans 8:35

It is not our church, we are a part of His church. We are HIS BODY, if you partake in His sufferings.

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church." Colossians 1:24

God has called us into His eternal life as a part of His eternal church.

"rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer," Romans 12:12

We are His called-out ones, chosen to SHINE HIS LIGHT through much affliction and great suffering.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-5

The word TRIBULATION was used to describe the separation of the WHEAT Kernal (useful) from the Wheat Chaff (unuseful).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Tribulations and suffering separate us from sin. Sin is in the world.

"For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison," 2 Corinthians 4:17

Sin brought forth CURSES, and curses brought forth pain and suffering through tribulations and sorrow.

Tribulation and suffering are the REFINERS' FIRE, which is the process of refining and purifying Gold (sanctification) while removing the dross and impurities. We need tribulations and suffering to be transformed into the image of Christ. No tribulations, no transformation.

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." Revelations 12:11

Tribulation and suffering coincide and run parallel to and alongside God’s Grace. Tribulations and suffering are empowered through God’s Grace. With trials, tribulations, and sufferings comes God’s Grace, and our transformation into the image of God. No tribulations and suffering, no Grace, no transformation.

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46

Trials and tribulations are meant to take our affections off of this world. Trials and tribulations give us a perfect perspective of this world (sin and death) so that we can seek the Kingdom of God, which is peace with God and eternal life in Heaven with our Heavenly Father, through Grace.

“Listen then to the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with seed beside the road. The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But the one sown with seed on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.” Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. And when the wheat sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also became evident. And the slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ But he *said, ‘No; while you are gathering up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” Matthew 13:18-30

Trials and tribulations in this world are meant to sour us to this world so that we will seek the world to come, the Spiritual world.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18

Through the trials and tribulations of this fallen world, we experience sore disappointment, pain, and loss. By the thwarting of our plans, we experience loss and regret and tremendous pain and suffering–ALL BY HIS DESIGN.

“Fear not, for you will not be put to shame; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced; But you will forget the shame of your youth, And no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood." Isaiah 54:4

Pain and loss are supposed to dry up our affections for this temporary fallen world, and to help us get our minds, hearts, and attention on the eternal life and the promises of God through Christ.

"Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1-2

Paul suffered like Christ and was very proud of all the attacks, persecutions, and betrayals. Through the crushing defeats, beatings, and loss of all things, Paul learned obedience, which led to eternal life through Christ Jesus. Paul marveled over and celebrated His weaknesses.

"Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises." James 5:13

The Bible teaches us that Jesus will do all the separation of the sinners and the saints. We are called to love our enemies and to SERVE THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Jesus teaches us about good and evil, the wheat and the tares. He instructs us to pay no mind to the tares and to love them as if they were Wheat. Jesus loved Judas to the end, even washing His feet.

"So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world." 1 Peter 5:9

Our job is not to separate the wheat from the tares. Our calling is to love everyone, especially our enemies and those who say all kinds of bad things about us.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you;" 1 Peter 4:12

Jesus said, FOLLOW ME. Jesus instructs us to love our enemies. So, love them.

"but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed." 1 Peter 4:13

Jesus, Peter, and Paul never instructed us to be afraid of demons or to even pay them attention. Instead, we are to love everyone JUST LIKE JESUS DID.

"but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name." 1 Peter 4:16

Jesus instructed us to FEAR NOT! He stated this emphatically over and over and over again. He never was concerned about the devil or the devil’s demons. Jesus’ eyes, mind, heart, and confidence were on God alone. Jesus did not fear the devil. NOT ONE BIT. Jesus did not instruct us to fear the devil. Jesus instructed us to love our enemies, which destroys the works of the devil.

"who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Jesus declared that God’s House (us) is a House of Prayer and Worship, not fear and fret of the devil. He said, “My Father’s House will be called a house of prayer and worship, not a house of shame, condemnation, and fear.

"For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps," 1 Peter 2:21

In God’s infinite wisdom, mercy, and love He has given us HIS GRACE to endure all hardships, attacks, and persecutions. When we are afflicted and we shine His light through Grace, God is glorified. SO, BRING ON THE ATTACKS KNOWING JESUS’ GRACE WILL ABOUND IN VICTORY.

"and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;" 1 Peter 2:23

Trials and tribulations open the door to God’s Grace, His unlimited and unearned love, which was sent and given to us to destroy the works of the enemy.

"and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8:17

The more suffering, the more glory to God.

"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Trials, tribulations, afflictions, and sufferings are our privilege as we lay down our lives and allow God’s glory to shine through us as He loves our enemies through us.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." James 1:2-3

Our only job is to teach the Gospel and to lay down our lives and love those who persecute us and say all kinds of evil against us.

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are punished by Him; For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He punishes every son whom He accepts.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that there be no sexually immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” Hebrews 12:3-17

The Christian journey as one fraught with trials, tribulations, and suffering, not as punitive measures but as transformative ones, intended to refine believers into the likeness of Christ. God's invitation to endure hardship is not a curse but a divine strategy to foster spiritual growth, patience, and unwavering hope in His eternal kingdom.

The message of Matthew 11:28-29 and Jude 1:17-25 reassures us that amidst the afflictions of this world, believers are called to find rest in Christ, to stand firm in faith, and to look forward to the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. This adversity, then, is not a deterrent but a pathway to achieving a deeper connection with God, embodying His gentle and humble heart, and securing an enduring substance in heaven.

Moreover, the principle of loving one's enemies, as exemplified by Christ and articulated in Luke 6:27-35, serves as a cornerstone for our conduct. The Love of Christ IN US is an active engagement of Christlike service, compassion, and prayer FOR THOSE WHO OPPOSE US.

The challenges and accusations Jesus faced, such as being labeled a demon in John 8:48-49, underscore the inevitable misunderstanding and persecution we are to expect. However, in embracing these trials with joy and perseverance, as encouraged in Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-5, we are not only following Christ's footsteps but are also promised divine strength through Gracce and the ultimate reward of eternal glory. Scriptures teach us to view trials not as obstacles but as opportunities to demonstrate God's grace, refine our character, and reaffirm our commitment to God's commandment of unconditional love, thereby overcoming evil with good and achieving spiritual maturity.