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

When I think about persecution of Christians, the thing that comes immediately to mind is the firebombing of churches in the Middle East, and for example death threats, at times carried out, when people convert to Christianity. But there is persecution here in the West, certainly not so drastic, and certainly more subtle, but nevertheless it is there.

In particular, as these two verses from Matthew 5:11, 12 imply persecution includes evil spoken against us falsely simply because we are Christians. And while it is true, that there is hate and fear on the part of some who call themselves Christians, it is indeed a lie to equate disagreement with hate and fear, and to feel that love requires approval of everything that is said and done!

It is important however, to recognize the hurt, injustice, rejection and even violence that at times lies behind the above type of accusation. Nevertheless it is the truth that has the potential to set each and every one of us free (John 8:32), and though the truth may hurt, it can actually be a lack of love that causes us to remains silent in the face of this type of persecution. Of course there is also a time to speak, and a time to remain silent!

It seems to me that there is a reason that this beatitude comes last. In particular, as I remarked in yesterday’s post, the Beatitudes are cumulative. And when we are seeking to speak the truth in love, it is natural that our lives be put under a microscope. So unless we are at least seeking to live out the qualities displayed in these Beatitudes, then those who we seek to win will likely have fuel for the fire of their offence!

Father, as the Scripture says “In many things we all fail,” but I want to be an effective ambassador for You. So please continue to transform me by the renewing of my mind, that I may increasingly display the qualities described in these Beatitudes, and so point to the beauty of who You are! In Jesus Name Amen