Our Lord lays out a very important truth. His teaching reveals that all those who are true disciples will be hated by many. Suffering and persecution is a reality for the true Christian. Jesus gives two commands, instructing us in how we ought to respond. We are to be glad and rejoice in the day of our persecution. The motivation He gives to obey these commands is to remember our great reward in heaven. Persecution for the name of Christ should not be avoided, rather, it is something in which the Christian must rejoice. For it is the token and assurance of our kingdom inheritance.