3 Bible Tips: The Beatitudes - Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake
1. After listing seven characteristics of Christians, the eighth beatitude warns of persecution, but promises a reward in the Kingdom.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12).
2. Jesus set the example by enduring persecution and overcoming.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
3. In His message to the persecuted church at Smyrna, Jesus encouraged them and us to endure and promised us "the crown of life" and that we will "not be hurt by the second death."
"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" (Revelation 2:10-11).
For more about enduring persecution, see "The Message to Smyrna: Endure Persecution."