Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10-12
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecute the prophets who were before you."

Many people, including ourselves sometimes, complain of persecution, but it is rarely because of righteousness! Further, if people insult us, persecute us, and false say all kinds of evil against us, it is usually not because of Jesus!

Notice that it does not say "Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing something wrong, or being selfish, or obnoxious, or lazy, or even for being nice!" God promised happiness and blessing if and when we are persecuted for righteousness--being right with God and becoming more like Jesus. This is very hard as are all the Beatitudes. This is the last one. I'm going to list them all here together, because even the order in which they are given is important, and each one builds on the ones that come before.

Matthew 5:3-12New International Version (NIV)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.