2. Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10
3. If the world hates you, keep in mind
that it hated me first. If you
belonged to the world, it would love
you as its own. As it is, you do not
belong to the world, but I have
chosen you out of the world. That is
why the world hates you.
John 15:18-19
4. 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.
Matthew 5:11-12
5. The ultimate purpose of the
universe, with human beings at its
centre, is to return joy to God.
Exposition of Divine Principle 1:3.1
6. We also glory in our sufferings, because
we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hope. And hope does not
put us to shame, because God’s love has
been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit, who has been
given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
7. Live such good lives among the
pagans that, though they accuse you
of doing wrong, they may see your
good deeds and glorify God on the
day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:12
8. God only made individuals suffer so they
will repent. The greater the persecution
and suffering, the greater the blessing
that will follow. Persecution will make you
repent from the very beginning, and your
perseverance through that suffering will
be a source of reward in heaven. This is
why God allows our persecution...
9. By receiving persecution from the
established churches and communities, you
are buying the right to undertake the cause
of the Unification Church yourself. By
persecuting us they are selling their right to
repent in their place. You have to see this
point and be grateful. It means that their right to the
blessing is connected to us and whatever they don't take
will be given to us.
Father Moon – 1st September 1978