Matthew 5:10–12, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." To the world, persecution is a curse to be avoided. But to the child of God, it is a badge of honor--a sign that he is walking in the footsteps of his Savior. In this final beatitude, Jesus lifts the eyes of His disciples above the hatred of men, to the eternal blessings which await them. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness." That is, those who are persecuted for Christ's sake . . . for standing for truth, for living in holiness, for proclaiming the gospel, and for refusing to bow to the world's idols. This beatitude is a necessary conclusion to the others. The one . . . who is poor in spirit, who mourns over sin, who hungers for righteousness, and strives to bring peace with God --will inevitably meet with persecution. Why? Because the world hates Christ. And if we are conformed to His image--then we will be treated as He was. To live righteously in an unrighteous world, is to shine a light that exposes the darkness of sin--and men love darkness instead of light, because their deeds are evil. Yet what unspeakable comfort Jesus offers: "Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven!" The very persecution that casts us out from the world, is the evidence that we belong to the kingdom of God. And even more, "Great is your reward in Heaven!" The scoffing of puny men cannot rob us o