Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.—Matthew 5:10
This is the eighth Beatitude. It’s different.
I can understand the attitude of humility that comes with being poor in spirit. I recognize the need for mourning over sin. Gentleness, mercy and peacemaking are clearly characteristics worth pursuing. We should all be pure in heart with a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
But, blessed are those who have been persecuted? What do we even do with this verse?
It’s a verse that must have meant the world to the early church. It’s a verse our brothers and sisters across the world live out every day.
But for those of us who sit in padded pews or stop by the church coffee shop, what do we do with these words of Jesus?
Do we feel guilty for not enduring the same hardship? Do we seek out situations to suffer for His sake? How does this verse connect with our lives?
It was just a few weeks ago that Hurricane Michael sent many scrambling. Trees fell, houses crumbled, lives were changed for farmers and families. During the first few days of the coverage, the pictures and videos were all the same. Destruction.
But, then the story began to change. Restoration and Rebuilding.
Teams of people from all over the country stepped in to serve, and the stories began to shift. I’m especially proud of how the Christian community steps in during these times of need.
Some suffer. Some serve.
But, my guess is that the news will shift to something else before all the rebuilding is completed. Coverage always ends before construction.
Maybe, that’s a way to understand this passage.
Some suffer. Some serve.
We have brothers and sisters in the faith who suffer each day for their faith. Some suffer.
As believers, we have the opportunity to pray, to give, and perhaps even go to be an encouragement to believers born into more difficult circumstances than our own. Some serve.
But, in order to serve, we have to see. The Voice of the Martyrs offers a free app with daily updates on persecuted peoples and countries along with a way to pray.
If we don’t suffer, we serve. Find a way to pray, give or go.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.—Matthew 5:10
Although most of us don’t suffer to the extreme that the early church did or Christians being persecuted in other countries, I do think we face our own brand of suffering. Sadly, many churches are in conflict and the persecution is very real. My prayers for all who are facing trials and persecution. Jonathan, thanks for reminding us how blessed we are.
Thanks for bringing this important topic into the discussion. I completely agree that the luxuries of our society have largely shielded us from the persecution seen in so many places around the world. Still, we are called to moments of suffering and moments of serving. I think it’s especially important to follow Christ’s example and serve IN our suffering… regardless of what form that takes.
And we see so little of what we need to see. I’ve been praying Lord, open my eyes.
Suffering is all around us on some level.
This is not to minimize deep suffering but God allows it in varying degrees. Im reminded of the conversation where Peter asked how John would die after Jesus revealed his own future suffering.
I agree with you that it’s hard for us in the Western church to connect with real persecution/suffering, and praying/serving is part of our role.
I also think God blesses the persecuted with a special sense of His presence, with peace, and I don’t know what else. I would never seek persecution, but it’s good to know He blesses those who experience it.