Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake

Jesus said that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed. Then, last of all, he declared that great is the reward in heaven for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

The world hates the light. Because the truth exposes the sins people would rather keep hidden, persecution follows wherever it is proclaimed. While preaching the gospel, the apostle Paul was stoned and beaten until he was taken for dead, yet he responded with compassion for the souls who had not received the Lord. This world is itself the furnace in which God’s people are refined into pure gold, and if they run from its trials, God has no choice but to make their training all the harder.

Only when Isaiah stood before the glory of God did he see that his lips were unclean, and he repented. We too must turn back to an upright life now, while the opportunity to repent remains. God’s people do not face persecution and suffering alone; the Holy Spirit shares the burden with them, and God, seeing their devotion, rewards them with peace and rest.