“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10, CSB)
Jesus said a very strange thing. When His followers experience harm because of their faith, they are blessed. That alone should make us reconsider what blessed means, but that is a topic for another day. Physical, emotional, financial, and reputational harm due to our faith in Christ is possible. We shouldn’t seek it, but neither should it surprise us.
Peter, writing to a persecuted church, wrote, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, CSB) Blessed and rejoice are not what we feel when we are persecuted for our faith. And yet, both Jesus and Peter instruct us to look beyond the moment and to Christ’s Kingdom.
Some of you may have experienced this more directly than others. I know that these writings go to places where persecution is common and sometimes brutal. Prayers are offered whenever I hear news stories about an event. Prayers for my brothers and sisters in Christ and their loved ones. Prayers for the churches. And lastly, prayers for the prosecutors as Jesus commanded us. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44–45, CSB)
While persecution for our faith shouldn’t surprise us, neither should we seek it or view it as a badge of honor. I’ve known some folks who take every little slight as being persecuted. Sometimes, people do or say stupid things for no reason. Sometimes, we may deserve a poor job review or not getting that promotion yet. Paul wrote, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, CSB) If persecution still comes our way, so be it. May our light for Christ shine all the brighter because we’ve lived the way of peace.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Matthew 5:10
- 2 Timothy 2:12
- Matthew 10:39
- 1 Peter 4:12-13
- 1 Peter 4:14
- Luke 6:37
- Proverbs 20:22
- Matthew 5:5
- Matthew 5:44-45
- Proverbs 25:21-22
- Joshua 23:10
- Psalm 23:5
- Psalm 5:11
- Deuteronomy 33:27
- Psalm 103:6
- Deuteronomy 20:4
- Psalm 138:7
- 1 Samuel 2:9
- Zephaniah 3:17
- Deuteronomy 28:7
- Job 8:20-21
- Psalm 146:8
- Psalm 55:22
- 2 Corinthians 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
- John 16:33
- Promises: When Persecuted? - March 10, 2025
- Promises: Are You Impatient? - March 5, 2025
- Promises: Are You Lonely? - March 3, 2025
