“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10).

**This article was originally posted by Diego Gomes to his blog www.diegogomes.blog please visit for more articles and reflections from Diego.

The journey of the Beatitudes begins with humility and ends with persecution. The Christian walk starts with the cross-and it never departs from it along the way. What Jesus taught in the Beatitudes is that those who choose to walk with a broken heart, live with meekness, hunger fir righteousness, purity, mercy and peacemaking... will inevitably clash with the system of this world.

When we live out the Sermon on the Mountain and practice the Beatitudes, we begin to reflect the light of Christ and "season" the world with the salt of the Gospel. Our lives become a heavenly influence to many, yet a source of discomfort to others. And nothing attracts more persecution than a life that radiates the true light of Christ's character.

The Sermon on the Mountain is not an invitation to become "better people". It is a radical call to become like Christ. And living like Jesus never goes unnoticed: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesu will be persecuted".

This happens because the Spirit who dwells in us exposes the darkness around us with His light. And it is not always through words - most of the time, our very way of living is enough:

"In Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians". (Acts 11:26) They didn't need to announce it. Their lives spoke for themselves.

The righteousness that the world despises is not merely a "social cause". It is the righteousness of Christ - the very nature of the Kingdom operating within us. When we live as those who have dies to themselves, we are proclaiming that there is a God who is Holy and worthy of our sanctification. We are testifying that man is not the center of the universe and that worshiping God as He deserves cost us everything: "If anyone would come to Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me". (Matthew 16:24)

Following Jesus is not an invitation to comfort; it is a call to surrender. This not only draws opposition but also produces suffering that brings communion with Jesus: "For it is granted to you on behalf of Jesus Christ not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him". (Philippians 1:29)

We will be persecuted as sons and daughter of God by a society that rejects the truth and refuses to submit to the principals and values of God's word (Matthew 10:24-28). We will also face resistance from our own friends and family, who, not understanding our devotion, may try to diminish our commitment (Matthew 10:34-39).

But the good news is this: there is a promise for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness - theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven! Jesus did not merely warn us: He Guaranteed that we would never be alone:

"Not a hair of your head will perish.. Stand firm, and you will win life". (Luke 21:17-19)

Therefore, we must learn to embrace the joy of persecution; Yes, joy! Not because pain is pleasant, but because the reward is eternal.

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven". (Matthew 5:12)

Paul understood this deeply:

"If only for this life we have a hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied".

(1 Corinthians 15:19)

Our hope is not just for this life; we live with our eyes fixed on eternity. And because we are children of God, we carry a new nature. We have received the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).

Therefore, even amid persecution, we stand firm because our eyes are fixed on Christ and 

the glory of eternity with Him: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

In the midst of persecution, as we look to Jesus, we are constantly reminded that our struggle is not against people—but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). That is why we need to be clothed in spiritual armor. It’s why we can keep walking forward 

with our eyes on Jesus, turning away from offense and forgiving those who persecute us.

Day by day, we mature in our journey of faith and grow in the certainty that, to please God, 

the motivation of our hearts must be to live according to His expectations. The only opinion 

that should define us at the end of each day is His, for He is the only One worthy of 

receiving our lives as an offering.

The first Beatitude tells us that the Kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit. And the last reaffirms it: the Kingdom also belongs to those who are persecuted for righteousness.

The Kingdom is for the persecuted!

It’s as if Jesus, by choosing to end the Beatitudes with this promise, was saying to us: “The Kingdom begins with a surrendered heart… and ends with a life willing to suffer for My sake".

Are you living in a way that reflects the righteousness of Christ - Even when it attracts opposition? Are you trusting in the eternal Kingdom, or have you 

become too attached to the comforts of this life?

Today’s Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for giving me the privilege of following You— even when it costs everything.

Give me courage to live faithfully, grace to face rejection, and joy in the midst of affliction.

May my life reveal Your righteousness, even if it costs me the applause of this world.

May my hope be firmly rooted in Your Kingdom—which is eternal, righteous, and glorious. Amen.