Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…

Matthew 5:10 (KJV)

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The final beatitude doesn’t sound too pleasant. It seems negative compared to the others when you first read it. God is telling us that if we are living for Him, we should expect to be persecuted. Jesus said that people would hate us, and He still encourages us to continue living for Him regardless.

Matthew 10:22-24 (KJV)

²² And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

²³ But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

²⁴ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

What is our reward for living for Him? We will be in heaven with Jesus. That doesn’t sound negative when you think of it that way. Focus on the end result, not the struggles.