Matthew 5:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Most people in this world have experienced some type of persecution. Jesus did not say that everybody who is persecuted for any reason is going to be blessed, but those who are persecuted specifically for their righteousness.

When you willingly stand up for and teach the unperverted gospel of Christ, and people berate you because of it, you can be sure that, in the end, you will be blessed, for you are being persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

When you refuse to engage in sinful activity because it is contrary to God’s will, and people call you names and make fun of what you believe, you can take solace in the fact that you will receive a reward for your efforts someday because you are suffering for Jesus’ sake.

When you are determined not to fellowship the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and people say bad things about you because of it, you can be sure that you are drawing closer to heaven’s gate, for you have made a choice to suffer, not just for any cause, but for righteousness’ sake. The point of it is this—when we are persecuted for being Christians, we will be blessed by God in the end (1 Peter 4:13-16).

What are some of the benefits of suffering for Christ? Here are a few to consider.

• Suffering persecution tells us that we are on the right track.

Persecution is the world’s reaction to our faithfulness to God. When a man develops the characteristics of the kingdom of God, he becomes attractive to God but ugly to the world. The persecution which comes as a result is an indication that he (or she) is the kind of person described in the beatitudes. It is a testimony to his character. It is a measuring stick that lets him know that he is living for and like Christ (John 15:19-21) . As such, persecution can be a welcomed “indicator” (Acts 5:40-41).

• Suffering persecution can lead to having a more compassionate heart.

Once a person has been persecuted by others, he is less likely to become a persecutor, and more inclined to feel compassion for those who are persecuted. Sympathy often comes from experience (Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:17-19).

• Suffering persecution can help us maintain proper perspective

When we are persecuted for doing what is right, it reminds us that we have something better waiting for us in the future. Jesus said we can rejoice and be glad because our reward in heaven will be great. Is it not ironic that our persecution can help us focus on heaven, and our hope of heaven can help us endure persecution? Let us never stop serving our Master. The end is more than worth it.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.