The Reward for Being Persecuted for Righteousness

Sunrise Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hi

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

Persecution is happening so much in the world today.

Non-Christians and Christians alike are suffering. Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Homosexuality, Broken Homes, Racial Tension, Religious Intolerance, all have made an impression in the world, and not for good.

Christians have stood up to voice their opposition to the evil in the world. Many have been persecuted for righteousness.

Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak to Congress about opposing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. That is admirable. Yet, he is being persecuted for attempting to speak the truth.

Many restaurant owners, store owners, and television personalities have been persecuted when they have stood up for traditional marriage. The view of traditional marriage lines up with God’s word. To God, homosexuality is an abomination. (see Leviticus 18:22) Some of these men and woman are being fined, threatened, and mocked because they have spoken correctly.

A judge in Alabama, and several county clerks in various states, have also refused to recognize same sex marriages. They are adhering to God’s policies that are set forth in His Word, and to the laws of their states, before they were changed by a group of ungodly federal judges without proper law-making procedures. These men and woman standing for traditional marriage are being persecuted. Some clerks have been forced to leave their jobs. Judge Roy Moore is sticking to his guns on the issue, and I, for one, think he is heroic, a man of faith in action.

People who own homes, but allow guests to stay when they are vacationing, are being fined for not allowing gay couples to stay in their homes. When gay people can readily stay in a gay home where they would be accepted, why would they want to stay in a Christian’s home? Is it to try to violate their faith? Is it to push their lifestyle choice on those who do not accept it? These home-owners are being persecuted for their faith. Gays are intolerant towards the view of traditional marriage. These men and women who refuse to lend their homes to gays are being persecuted. Some have had to pay fines, and quit their business, for some, their livelihood. They have had to go to court, and make restitution for not allowing gay couples to stay.

Crosses that remind us of Christ are in danger of being banished from America in public places. People who are standing up to fight the removal of them are being persecuted by our own government. The cross represents the hope of forgiveness, the resurrection of the dead, and is a reminder to all that Christ died for our sins. It is the message of salvation that the cross stands for that is compelling atheists to fight for their removal.

Freedom from Religion groups are getting a free pass when they threaten schools with taking them to court over separation of church and state. Without even a trial, schools are giving in to the atheist groups, not realizing that having no religion is a religion of its own-Atheism, which has far worse implications than Christianity.

People who are protesting Abortion, the murder of innocent babies, are being persecuted. Some have been arrested, beaten, mocked, and criticized.

I’m sorry to make this post longer, but wish to add that many people all over the world are suffering for their faith. Some are being put to death.

I just want to encourage all my Christian brothers and sisters, and let them know that they are not alone.

There is a reward for being persecuted for righteousness– the kingdom of heaven.

Stand firm in the Lord, and in His mighty power. Let God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Be of good cheer, God has overcome the world!

Dear God, I pray for Your will to be done, and for Your Kingdom to come. I pray for workers for the harvest. I ask that You would encourage Christians who are suffering. Make us good ambassadors for You. Keep us in Your care. Help us to hold on to Your word, and please put it in our hearts and minds, so that we will not sin against You. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

-Dawn-