Suffer now. Smile later

In our western culture, especially in recent years, comfort is what we strive for. We don’t like pain. We don’t like to be ridiculed or disliked. We hate being disagreed with. So much so that it’s become very difficult to have a truthful conversation with anyone. Everyone guards their words to keep from offending someone. So I agree that we should be kind and polite and consider the feelings of those we talk to ,but should we keep from speaking truthfully? If the gospel of Christ might offend someone, and it will, should we then just stay silent? Should we not consider a persons soul and eternity more than their feelings? Sharing our faith in Christ could cause great discomfort and I believe it will more and more as time goes on. Even quietly living our faith will be offensive. Do we just hide it then so that we can please everyone? Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Jesus) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who came before you.
Being insulted for no reason isn’t good but to be insulted because of Christ is very good. And we are not alone. All the saints who came before us suffered as well. Any suffering or insults that happens here is temporary but we are eternal. Our suffering will only be for a short time. We should live out our faith in confidence and share the love of Jesus with everyone we meet. He did not want us to live in fear but to be courageous in our faith in him!! Thank you God for the ones who have gone before us, who though they suffered greatly, never let the light of your love grow dim. Help us to do the same!!
Be strong and courageous!!