Jeremy L. Berg

From The After Party:

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” There is real injustice in the world. There is pain, evil, and malice. And following Jesus means standing up in the face of that, even when it comes at a cost.

1 Peter 3:14 says, “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’”

Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even when it means being rejected by our tribe? Are we more afraid of being pushed than we are of failing to defend the vulnerable?

John 15:20 reminds us: “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Revelation 2:10 says: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

This week, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to pursue righteousness, even if it costs me approval? How can I stand up for the vulnerable, the unseen, the hurting – regardless of what others think? Who in my life needs to be encouraged to pursue this same courage?

Following Jesus will never make us universally popular. But He promises the kingdom to those who endure for His sake.

Make a bold move this week and check out The After Party before the holiday season begins. Equip yourself to stand strong for what is right in God’s eyes, no matter the cost.

A Prayer for Courageous Righteousness

Jesus,

You said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.”

And yet, we admit: we often fear rejection more than we fear disobedience.

Give us courage to stand for what is right, even when it costs us.

Make us bold enough to defend the vulnerable, even when it’s unpopular.

Help us speak with clarity, act with compassion, and endure with hope.

When approval fades and pressure rises, fix our eyes on You.

You were rejected first. You bore the cross before us.

So we will not be afraid to follow.

Make us faithful, Jesus.

Not famous. Not safe. Just faithful.

Amen.

Righteousness is costly. Especially in a political world where speaking the truth in love can get you labeled, dismissed, or even cast out by your own “side.”

The After Party was created for moments like this.

It’s for the Christian who’s willing to be misunderstood in order to be faithful. For the one who is tired of compromising convictions just to keep the peace. For the one who longs to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Sharing The After Party isn’t just about extending an invite. It’s about calling others into courage.

Here’s how:

Be brave. Speak openly about what it’s cost you to follow Jesus in your political life. Share where God is stretching you toward righteousness over approval.

Be clear. The After Party doesn’t pick a side. It forms a people — those willing to pursue the kingdom above tribal loyalty.

Be invitational. Ask someone to walk through it with you. Your courage might give them the permission they’ve been waiting for.

Now is the time for bold discipleship.