Matthew
5:10-12
In these verses Jesus is speaking
the Sermon on the Mount. What He says in the first part, the Beatitudes, shock
those who are listening. What they hear goes against everything they have been taught, it seems to defy common sense. Jesus
tells the listening crowd that persecution and revilement are blessings. He even says that in the
event of false witnesses borne against us we should “rejoice and be exceedingly
glad…”!
This doesn't even seem to make
logical sense, but we must remember God’s ways are not our ways. When we are
treated unfairly, it is feelings of anger and hatred that normally come to the
surface. But Jesus soon tells the crowd why they should be happy in such a
dismal situation. Though we may suffer persecution here on earth, Christ is
preparing for us mansions for eternity. When you feel as though you are being
treated unfairly, bear it as Jesus did for “Great is your reward in heaven”.
