Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV): ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Suffering for righteousness’ sake has been, and will always be, part of the Christian walk. Yet there is great reward in heaven for those who suffer for the King and His kingdom.

The final Beatitude relates to how the world will respond to those who are living for Jesus. Physical persecution, reviling, slander, and bearing false witness are to be expected, for we have an adversary who despises the One we are living for. Jesus equally promises that anyone who endures such persecution for His name’s sake will be blessed beyond measure in His kingdom. There is a special crown awaiting those who are martyred for His name.

Are you living righteously before the world around you? You might be wondering what that looks like. It mirrors the lifestyle of Jesus. You are others-centered, ministering to the least and loving those who don’t love you back. When you live like Jesus, you will be treated like Jesus (Jn. 15:20). Persecution and suffering are to be expected. Yet we know the church grows in these environments. So stay the course and never cease being who God has made you to be. Amen?

Father, thank You for revealing to us what we can expect in this world. Help us to live in such a way that we are worthy of persecution. Give us strength and endurance to suffer well, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.