“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
— Matthew 5:12 (ESV)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
— James 1:2-3 (ESV)
The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:12 and the exhortation of James in his epistle are not just countercultural—they are revolutionary. To rejoice in persecution and to count trials as joy is a call that defies human instinct. Yet, these commands hold profound truths that anchor us in the unshakable hope of Christ. Let’s explore what it means to embrace joy in the midst of suffering and how this perspective transforms our walk with Jesus.
The Paradox of Joy in Persecution
When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke directly to His disciples, preparing them for the reality of a life lived for His Kingdom. Persecution was not a possibility—it was a certainty. Yet, His command was not to endure it with grim determination but to rejoice and be glad. Why? Because persecution aligns us with a legacy of faithfulness.
Jesus reminds us that the prophets who came before us suffered similarly. Their faithfulness to God’s truth often brought opposition, yet they stood firm because they were living for something greater than this world. When we face ridicule, rejection, or even hostility for following Jesus, we are walking in their footsteps—and, more importantly, in His.
Rejoicing in persecution is not about denying pain or pretending hardship doesn’t hurt. It’s about lifting our eyes beyond the immediate struggle to see the eternal reward that awaits us. Our suffering for Christ is not wasted; it is a testimony of our allegiance to Him and a pathway to deeper intimacy with our Saviour.
Trials as Opportunities for Growth
James echoes this theme when he urges believers to count it all joy when facing trials. Why? Because trials are not random or meaningless; they are tools in God’s hands to refine our faith.
James explains that trials test our faith and produce steadfastness—a deep-rooted perseverance that enables us to endure with hope. This steadfastness is not passive endurance but active trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Each trial we face is an opportunity for growth, shaping us into the likeness of Christ.
Consider how gold is refined: it must pass through intense heat to remove impurities and emerge purer and more valuable. Similarly, God uses trials to purify our hearts, strip away self-reliance, and draw us closer to Him. When we view our struggles through this lens, we can truly find joy—not because of the pain itself but because of what God is accomplishing through it.
The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Joy
Rejoicing in persecution and counting trials as joy are impossible apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Left to ourselves, we would crumble under pressure or respond with bitterness. But the Spirit empowers us to see beyond our circumstances and rest in God’s promises.
The fruit of the Spirit includes joy (Galatians 5:22), which means that even in suffering, we can experience supernatural gladness rooted in Christ. The Spirit reminds us of God’s faithfulness, strengthens us with His presence, and fills us with hope that transcends earthly troubles.
When Stephen was being stoned for his faith (Acts 7), he looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. In that moment of intense persecution, he experienced a vision of glory that enabled him to endure with grace. This same Spirit dwells within us today, equipping us to rejoice even when the world opposes us.
Practical Steps to Rejoice in Trials
Living out this command requires intentionality. Here are some practical ways to cultivate joy in persecution and trials:
1. Fix Your Eyes on Eternity
Meditate on passages like Matthew 5:12 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, which remind us that our present sufferings are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison.
2. Pray for Strength
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy and peace (Romans 15:13). Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and renews our perspective.
3. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Reflect on how God has carried you through past trials. His track record of faithfulness gives confidence that He will sustain you again.
4. Lean on Christlike Relationships
Share your struggles with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray for you, and remind you of God’s truth (Hebrews 10:24-25).
5. Praise Him in the Storm
Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. Singing hymns and spiritual songs or listening to worship music can uplift your spirit even in difficult times.
A Joy That Defies Circumstances
Rejoicing in persecution and counting trials as joy are not natural responses—they are supernatural acts of faith rooted in the hope we have in Christ. When we embrace this perspective, we reflect the beauty of the Gospel to a watching world.
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). As His followers, we are called to walk this same path—not with despair but with confidence that every trial draws us closer to Him and prepares us for eternal glory.
So when persecution comes, or trials arise, hear Jesus’ words afresh: “Rejoice and be glad.” Not because it’s easy—but because He is worth it.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond when faced with opposition or hardship?
- What eternal rewards motivate you to rejoice even in suffering?
- How can you support others who are enduring trials for their faith?
Life With CD 
Thanks for this, Chris. It’s a really great reminder that lashing out in anger might not be the best response to criticism and persecution. As always, the Master leads the way for us all. He is the Great Sufferer and the Great Forgiver. We can follow him in those ways along with all the other things he teaches us.
I’m going to quote a small part of what you have written with a link to the full article. I might start doing this regularly with material from you and others. Hopefully this will help my readers find new places to explore.