Ridicule and Persecution. *My friends will LAUGH at me.* The person who would ridicule you for being a Christian, is not your friend. WHOSOEVER therefore shall *be ashamed of me* and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; *of him also* shall the *Son of man be ashamed*, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. _Mark 8:38._ FOR whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever *shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s*, the same shall save it. _Mark 8:35._ BLESSED are they which are *persecuted for righteousness’ sake*: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall *revile you, and persecute you*, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. *Rejoice, and be exceeding glad*: for great is your *reward in heaven*: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. _Matthew 5:10-12._ IF ye *be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye*; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. _I Peter 4:14._ FOR unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also *to suffer for his sake*. _Philippians 1:29._ Think of the reward that Christ has promised to those who suffer for Him. AND if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; *if so be that we suffer with him*, that we may be also glorified together. _Romans 8:17._ FOR I reckon that *the sufferings* of this present time are not worthy to be *compared* with the glory *which shall be revealed in us*. _Romans 8:18._ Ridicule and Persecution. *Encouragement given us.* *Christ was PERSECUTED FOR US!* FOR what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if *when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently*, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were *ye* called, because *Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps*. _I Peter 2:20, 21._ LOOKING unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him *endured the cross, despising the shame*, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. _Hebrews 12:2._