Kingdom Manifesto: The Beatitudes — Part 8 — Hated For The Right Reasons

Following Jesus is one of the most rewarding decisions a person can make, but it is also one of the most costly. In Matthew 5, Jesus closes the Beatitudes with a promise that may surprise us: those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed. Conflict is not a sign that something has gone wrong. Sometimes it is confirmation that you are exactly where you need to be. Not every difficult situation qualifies as persecution for righteousness, though. Peter reminds us that suffering should be for Christ, not because of our own bad behavior or meddling. The reward for enduring is not small. Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven itself, and Paul reminds us that what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory that is coming. He has been too good to deny.