“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
Jesus now gives a very hard statement to accept. It is that if you are persecuted for righteousness you are blessed.
All over the world there is all types of persecution going on. For many years in the United States there was persecution against black people just because they were black. Other countries are persecuting people because they are a minority in that nation and no one wants them. Jesus is not talking about this type of persecution. It is persecution because of righteousness that He talks of.
An example of this type of persecution that Jesus talks of is: You are at work, and while you are getting your work done correctly and timely you are witnessing to a fellow worker. The boss hears of this and you get in trouble or even fired. You are persecuted for doing the right thing.
You may get persecuted for standing against sinful lifestyles, or for against an accepted action being done. Anything that you do that is right for God and you receive trouble is the type of persecution that Jesus is talking about.
Although it is difficult and painful to be persecuted like this, look to the end. Jesus stated that those persecuted like this will receive the kingdom of heaven.
In this life you may lose some things. You may even lose part of your health. When Jesus returns, though, you will receive all of heaven. The setbacks and things you lose in this life are temporary. Hold them loosely in your hands.
Keep your focus on what Jesus has in store for you some day. No more pain, suffering, or hunger. Eternal life, streets of gold, and eternity with Jesus and God the Father.
Keep doing the right thing. The right thing is anything and everything God wants you to do. Listen and follow God. It will be worth it in the end.
I pray today that God will strengthen you to live the righteous life He has called you to live; that your life will be a mirror of Jesus; that you will not turn to the left or right in the path God has called you to; and that you will not fear any persecution.
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