Love God Greatly: BeatitudesSample

As Jesus nears the end of these unexpected blessings, He finishes His sermon with an explanation of what will likely happen to such people. The poor in spirit, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers—these counter-cultural and disruptive people will be met with persecution. The world does not know what to do with people who sacrifice for each other, seek reconciliation even when it costs them, or lay down their power for the sake of another. These radically unusual qualities will sometimes be met with suffering. 

Note that it is not persecution in general that brings blessing, but persecution on Jesus' account. When Christians are rude, self-serving, or arrogant, and face retribution, we are not blessed. This is not an open pass to bring condemnation on ourselves, but comfort in times when our refusal to play by the world's rules is met with backlash. The ones who refuse to build a kingdom for themselves are promised the kingdom of God. 

God, thank You for promising comfort in my suffering. Give me the conviction to represent You faithfully to the world, even when it costs me.