Blessed Are The Persecuted
Blessed Are the Persecuted
Finding Strength in Righteous Suffering
Bro Brendan Leow | 13 April 2025
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
The word “blessed” comes from the Latin beatus, meaning more than just happiness. It describes a deep, lasting joy — the kind that doesn’t depend on circumstances but is rooted in God’s truth. When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He introduced a radically different view of what it means to be blessed. Among the list of Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–13, one seems particularly difficult to accept: “Blessed are those who are persecuted.”
Persecution is not just general hardship. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it’s “unfair or cruel treatment over a long period of time because of race, religion, or political beliefs.” In the Christian context, persecution happens for righteousness’ sake. It’s not about suffering for our mistakes or bad decisions — it’s about standing for what is right in God’s eyes and facing hardship because of that. And that, Jesus says, is something to be counted as a blessing.
Persecution, then, becomes a test of our faith in Christ. Sometimes we pray for stronger faith, hoping that God will instantly transform us. But more often than not, He gives us opportunities to exercise our faith. Through trials, we learn to stand firm. We grow. We draw nearer to God. One inspiring example is Bro Brendan who when he delivered his first devotional during a Wednesday night online Bible Study, some 10 other youths joined him virtually to support him. Our faith can flourish, especially when surrounded by a community of believers.
There are many forms of persecution, as highlighted in Scripture. Jesus Himself experienced verbal persecution — being mocked and falsely accused (John 10:33, Matthew 26:65). The apostles were victims of legal persecution, imprisoned for preaching the truth (Acts 5:17–18). Paul faced social persecution, from lashes to shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:24–25). And countless believers throughout history have been maligned with false accusations, much like what Jesus faced in Matthew 26:59–60. We live in a world where standing for truth can make us targets — whether in classrooms, workplaces, or even among friends.
Despite this, Jesus tells us to rejoice, not because persecution is pleasant, but because of what it means: we are walking in the footsteps of the prophets and drawing nearer to our eternal reward. Romans 8:18 reminds us that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Think of the prophet Jeremiah, who was thrown into a pit for speaking truth. Like him, we are called not just to endure, but to stand for what is right — always keeping our eyes fixed on heaven.
So how should we respond when persecution comes?
First, we are called to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10–12). The belt of truth keeps us grounded in God’s Word, while the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts. The shield of faith helps us stand firm against doubt and fear, and the helmet of salvation guards our minds with the assurance of our identity in Christ. With the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—we boldly speak truth and overcome the enemy. When fully equipped, we can stand strong and unwavering in our faith.
Second, we must be ready to forgive. Jesus modelled this even from the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). He also taught that if someone sins against you seven times in a day and repents, you should forgive each time (Luke 17:3–4). Forgiveness doesn’t make the pain disappear, but it frees us from being consumed by bitterness and helps us respond like Christ.
Third, we must trust in God’s justice. Sometimes, we may want to take matters into our own hands, seeking revenge or trying to “teach someone a lesson.” But 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7 reminds us that justice belongs to God, and He will repay those who trouble His people. We are called to let our light shine before others (Matthew 5:16), showing the world what it looks like to live with hope, grace, and strength rooted in God.
Even if you feel like you're at rock bottom, remember that you’re never alone. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers gives strength.
So let us respond to persecution not with fear, but with faith. Let us put on God’s armour, be ready to forgive, and trust in His perfect justice. For those who suffer for righteousness' sake, Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven. And that is a promise worth standing for.
