"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV)
According to the Apostle Matthew, in The Sermon on The Mount Jesus taught that those who were persecuted because of righteous behavior would be blessed and they would be granted access to heaven. He also said that when they were physically or verbally abused, or lied on because of Him, that they should rejoice and be very glad, for they will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Remember that Christ and the prophets were persecuted.
There are places in the world today where Christian behavior is not tolerated. Some Christians are still being physically abused because of their belief, and others are verbally and emotionally abused. Those who are ostracized, persecuted, or abused in any way for exhibiting Christ-like behavior will be blessed. (James 5:10-11 and 1 Peter 4:12-16) We should not be surprised that the world hates us for being Christ-like, because the world hated Christ. (John 7:7, John 15:18, and 1 John 3:13) While it is not pleasant to endure, we should delight in persecution and abuse for our belief in Christ, just as the Apostle Paul did, when we recognize that Christ suffered for us, He is always with us, and He will reward us for persevering through it. (2 Corinthians 12:10) It is not easy to turn the other cheek, to patiently and humbly endure abuse and persecution, but that is what we are taught to do. (Matthew 5:39) However, for doing so, we will be blessed and great will be our reward in heaven.
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