Beatitude (8)
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:10).
The Christian who has been persecuted for the sake of righteousness ...
- Knows that it is blessing to be persecuted for the sake of Jesus (Mt. 5:11).
Therefore, he rejoices and is glad even when he is being persecuted (v. 12).
- Participates in Jesus’ suffering (Rev. 1:9).
Like Jesus, he learns obedience from the things which he suffers (Heb. 5:8).
- Benefits from suffering and enjoy it (Ps. 119:71).
He knows that it is God’s will to suffer for doing good (1 Pet. 3:17).
He turns from the wrong way through suffering and keeps the word of the Lord (Ps. 119:67).
- Longs for the glory to be revealed in the future that cannot be compared with the present suffering (Rom. 8:18).
He looks at the great reward in heaven (Mt. 5:12).
Therefore, he chooses rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God
than to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin (Heb. 11:25).