“Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

Years ago, when I decided to be a follower of Jesus Christ, my mother, a staunch Anglican, was not amused.

She ordered me to stop going for fellowship at a Church near our home.

Of course, I refused.

One day, I attended an evening prayer meeting and came home late.

Furious, she locked me out; I had to spend the night in an abandoned old car in the neighborhood.

Of course, she eventually gave up when she realized how determined I was.

Being persecuted for following Jesus Christ is not merely a historical fact but also remains a present reality.

According to current estimates, over 380 million Christians (1 in 7) face high levels of persecution worldwide.

Some 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2024.

‘Persecution’ refers to the systematic, deliberate and sustained actions to harass, cause harm to or marginalize individuals or groups based on their identity or beliefs.

But though it is rather negative and shunned, persecution according to the Bible, is not entirely an anomaly but an expected – indeed, an inevitable and indispensable – part of faithful Christian living.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” says the Lord Jesus in our meditation today.

“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you,” said Jesus to His disciples. (John 15:20).

It’s perfectly okay if we’re persecuted for the Name of Christ; it means we are blessed!

How can you shun persecution and claim to be a true follower of One who was persecuted?

Much later, the apostle Peter wrote, “If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, you are blessed.” (1 Peter 4:14).

According to the Bible, believing in Christ and suffering for it are both ‘gifts’ from God.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Philippians 1:29). 

The apostle Paul, who had a fair share of every sort of persecution for many years, also affirmed its inevitability.

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12).

If no one has any problem with you as a follower of Christ, you probably need to give your lifestyle a proper check! 

Though we naturally tend to shun it, persecution serves multiple purposes in our Christian life.

Persecution helps us to develop the character of endurance and perseverance.

It matures us in our faith.

It refines and strengthens us, deepening our dependence on God.

Most importantly, persecution allows a believer to share in Christ’s sufferings – it proves our authenticity as believers in Christ. 

Throughout Church history, the body of Christ tended to be strongest under persecution, unlike today when Church leaders simply fall over each other in pursuit of favors and the goodwill of those in power.

Even in their circles, some Christians refrain from identifying themselves as Christians, lest they ‘cause offence.’

The lightest insult or harassment would make many deny the Lord Jesus.

This is worth repeating – persecution must not be seen as a tragedy to be avoided at all costs but as an expected part of faithful and true Christian living.

So, we must prepare to suffer persecution because it is both inevitable and necessary.

When it eventually comes, we must remain prayerful and joyful – firmly grounded in biblical truth.

Attitude is critical during persecution.

Our Lord Jesus commands us not to curse, but to love and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44)

Beaten, battered and martyred, the apostles responded with rejoicing for being found worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).

It’s perfectly okay if we’re persecuted for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; it means we are blessed!