“Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” – Matthew 5:10 (AMP)
Righteousness is the active rightness of the action and reaction of a Christian in his walk with God. In a world where wickedness and ungodliness is the order of the day, a man living in right standing with God receives the attention of the world and they attack him because he is different from them.
No matter how simple a man is, once his righteousness stands way above and beyond the wickedness of those around him, they begin to stand against him. Persecution has always been part of the life of those who stand with God. If you are a believer and no one in the world stands against you because of your righteousness, then it might be safe to conclude that you have at a point or the other compromised your stand.
The world derives pleasure in making life uneasy and unbearable for those who are living opposed to their evil lifestyle. Being a Christian means that at every point you have to say ‘No’ to the impulses and decisions of ungodliness. Christ called those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake blessed because they are living like Christ who is our Master and Lord. While He was on earth, He was also persecuted because He chose to stay with God against all odds.
Having settled it that you will be persecuted for being righteous, you must prepare your heart to be and do right regardless of what people say. Don’t allow the pressure from people make you lose sight of what’s right for you to do. You are a beacon of light in the world full of darkness. Don’t compromise your stand with and in God. The blessings of God are upon those who stay with Him against all odds.
Practical Application: Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? How did you respond? And how did you feel about it? Take note of your response to persecution and how it affects your Christian faith.
Confession: I belong to Jesus and I am His forever. No matter the difficulties I face in my walk with Him, I will never turn back nor go back. I choose Him everyday above all else.
Related Scriptures: Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14
Bible Reading: Acts 7-8
