PERSECUTED

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.



Matthew 5:10 is steeped in irony. How is it possible for one to be happy if they’re persecuted? Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount tells us that we are blessed, or happy, if we are persecuted because we then know that we’re doing the right things. In stark contrast, the ungodly typically feel that doing things according to God's will is an encroachment upon their individual rights. If teaching the Godly, safe, and correct things deems you a bigot by the public, then according to Jesus’ preaching you’re blessed. There’s good news for those that are living a righteous lifestyle: Jesus said that the kingdom of Heaven would be yours. And that, without argument from anyone, is a very big deal.