How did Jesus expect His disciples to react under persecution? (In Matthew 5:12 He said), “Rejoice and be glad!” We are not to retaliate like an unbeliever, nor sulk like a child, nor lick our wound in self-pity like a dog, nor just grin a bear it like a Stoic, still less pretend we enjoy it like a masochist. What then? We are to rejoice as a Christian should and even “leap for joy” (Lk. 6:23).
— John Stott (1921–2011), Theologe, Pastor und Autor
Related Bible passage: MAT.5.12
Topics: Discipleship, Joy & Gratitude, Temptation & Struggle
Occasions: For Reflection
John Stott
John Stott (1921–2011) war ein britischer anglikanischer Theologe, Autor und langjähriger Pastor der All Souls Church in London. Als führende Stimme des weltweiten Evangelikalismus verband er fundierte Schriftauslegung mit sozialer Verantwortung in der Mission, stieß jedoch mit vorsichtigen Überlegungen zur bedingten Unsterblichkeit auf theologische Kritik. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Schriften bis heute Orientierung durch verständliche Auslegungen und die Verknüpfung von Glaubenslehre mit praktischem Alltagshandeln.
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In a sense, learning to follow Jesus is simply learning to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
N.T. Wright
Being a Christian is not a 'do-it-yourself' affair.
Jerry Bridges
God has not called us to success, only to faithfulness.
Mother Teresa
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot
Do not be afraid of Christ. He demands nothing and he gives everything.
Pope Benedict XVI
A Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent.
C.S. Lewis