BELIEVERS BE ATTITUDES Series| BEATITUDES (8)| CHIMDI OHAHUNA.

"Matthew 5:10 says, 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'. As previously established, the Beatitudes bring us the realization that we are blessed and via the manifestations, serve as a testament to the world that, as disciples of Christ, we are truly blessed.

The Beatitudes are not mere suggestions for our consideration or a choice to make, but rather, they encompass the attitudes and actions that we must embrace, as followers of Christ.

This verse helps us understand that, whenever we are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, it means that we are facing opposition due to our pursuit of a righteous and upright life before God. Often, such persecution puts us in difficult situations, where we may feel compelled to flee or escape. Jesus speaking in the Book of Matthew 10 verse 23a says, "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:"

However, it is essential to discern when fleeing is necessary in these circumstances. Sometimes, wisdom and discernment may lead us to choose flight, realizing that preserving our well-being and continuing our righteous journey may require taking a step back. It is crucial to remember that, in doing so, we are not forsaking our faith or compromising our convictions. Rather, we are making a wise decision to protect ourselves and continue our pursuit of righteousness.

Furthermore, Jesus speaking in the Book of Luke 21 verses 17 -21 says, "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto."

By facing persecution for righteousness sake and choosing how to respond, we demonstrate our commitment to God's ways and display perseverance in the face of adversity. Ultimately, as promised in the Scriptures, the kingdom of heaven belongs to disciples who endure and remain faithful during times of persecution for the sake of righteousness."

Therefore, we can emphasize the profound meaning and significance of persecution for righteousness sake as proof that one is already experiencing the blessings of the Kingdom of God. When we face persecution due to our commitment to righteousness, this very persecution becomes a testament that we are already partakers of the Kingdom of God.

Persecution serves as a confirmation that we are standing firmly in alignment with God's principles and living out His righteousness. It signifies that we are on the right path and have become a living testimony of our faith. Instead of viewing persecution solely as a burden or a source of pain, we can choose to perceive it as a divine validation of our spiritual journey.

Being at peace and experiencing joy amid persecution may seem contradictory, but it is indeed possible. When we endure persecution for righteousness sake, we can find solace and contentment, recognizing that we are privileged to partake in the blessings of the Kingdom of God. In this light, persecution loses its power to discourage or dishearten us. Instead, it becomes a source of encouragement, reminding us of our true citizenship in the Kingdom and our unwavering commitment to God.

Therefore, let us embrace the mindset that persecution for righteousness' sake is not a sign of defeat or exclusion, but rather a confirmation that we are already living in the spiritual realm where peace and joy abound. As we endure and overcome the persecution, we can stand firm in our faith in Christ, having the assurance and strong conviction that we are already experiencing the blessings and rewards of the Kingdom of God.

Listen to this episode in full.

Jesus is Lord.

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