The Blessedness of Persecution

The wording of these verses is so contrary to fallen human nature that it cannot be believed by those who do not know Christ as their Savior. I am sure that is hard sometimes, even for the true Christian to receive these words. To be reviled and persecuted, is to have all kinds of evil spoken against you falsely, and it is not something that most people could ever think of as being a blessing, when they first hear it. Rather, they think of it as something which is to be avoided at all costs. However, if you will look at the wording of verse 11, you will see what makes all the difference, for the faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It is for the words that we find at the beginning of verse 10 and at the end of verse 11 – "for righteousness sake", and "for my sake". It is only when you are being persecuted for Christ's sake, that then, you can rejoice.