“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs,” Matthew 5:10 promises. Persecution is one of the most difficult ways to show your devotion to the Lord and his Word. You probably never thought about what you would do or say if persecuted when you came to know the Lord, but it is something that happens to every Christian at some point in their spiritual relationship with God. Most of us will only experience persecution in the form of words or feelings that others have. But some will experience it in greater and more difficult forms: the loss of a relationship, imprisonment or even the loss of life as some Christians in persecuted countries have experienced. When you are living by the righteousness of God, you will experience some form of persecution.
However, there is great reward in persecution. The greatest blessing or reward is the kingdom of heaven! Salvation in its fullness is yours in the midst of persecution. The other blessing is knowing you are pleasing the Lord and living a righteous life. You will experience him and his blessings when you strive to live a righteous life no matter what the cost or persecution. Take comfort and glad knowing that you are not alone as Matthew 5:11-12 says, “ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”