This is the ninth and final week of our series based on the Beatitudes. Our focus verse is: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” No one wants to suffer. We avoid discomfort and conflict at all costs, but the reality of living our faith is that we will encounter hardship and struggle because following Jesus goes against the expectations of the world. Even so, Jesus pronounces blessing and calls us to be joyful. Pastor Mary’s message is also based on I Peter 4: 7-16.