Jesus never promised his disciples an easy life, but he did promise them life. He never concealed the dangers involved in following him; in fact, on occasions he seemed to be discouraging people by telling them the personal cost they would pay for being numbered among his disciples. This is one of those occasions. "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 persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12) This beatitude contradicts the world’s values: the persecuted are counted as blessed or privileged.

Sometimes persecution comes to people who have no right to find refuge in this beatitude. This beatitude is only for those who are persecuted "for righteousness." There is truth to tell and we cannot be silent. Christians must "[A]lways be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have," remembering that our "conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6) Truth must be proclaimed and defended, but we must always be "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).

The Cause of Persecution

Jesus never promised his disciples an easy life, but he did promise them life. He never concealed the dangers involved in following him; in fact, on occasions he seemed to be discouraging people by telling them the personal cost they would pay for being numbered among his disciples. This is one of those occasions. "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 persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12) This beatitude contradicts the world’s values: the persecuted are counted as blessed or privileged.

Sometimes persecution comes to people who have no right to find refuge in this beatitude. This beatitude is only for those who are persecuted "for righteousness". There is truth to tell and we cannot be silent. Christians must "[a]lways be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have," remembering that our "conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6) Truth must be proclaimed and defended, but we must always be "speaking the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15)