Matthew 5:10 Step 8. The Club You Don’t Want In

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake…

We often see things on Facebook or on Instagram, wall art, in Christian stores, etc. that talk about how if we are suffering or being mistreated it’s all ok because we will be blessed.

Folks, that’s NOT what we are being told by Jesus. We need to stop changing what He says and listen to our master. We will never receive the blessing if we don’t read the manual! “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus gives a specific reason for being persecuted and it’s not because we aren’t liked, because our spouse cheated, we lost our job, our children are driving us crazy, or the Starbucks line is sooo long. It’s because we 100% percent are the light of the world and follow Christ! Persecution is a whole next level of suffering we in the first world often know nothing about. It’s not just an annoyance. According to biblical definitions, Persecution is the act of harassing, maiming the body, killing people, or making them outcasts. To have the kingdom of heaven, to receive that specific blessing, we are to be persecuted for the sake of being called slaves of God and following the one True King. For the simple fact that our lives shine with the love of Jesus! There is zero other criteria. And Jesus never asked us to add any, nor did He ask our input.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

It’s a small exclusive club. Please give them the honor they are due.