Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness by iyree jarrett

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10).

This weekend, we discussed how this verse could perhaps be understood as, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for living and loving like Jesus.” Jesus was persecuted because he healed on the Sabbath, welcomed those who had been excluded, ate with sinners, uplifted women and children, and proclaimed good news to the poor. His ministry consistently challenged religious and social structures that excluded or devalued others.

This message challenged us to see that persecution in Jesus’ name is not defined simply by experiencing opposition, but by whether that opposition comes from faithfully living and loving as Jesus did. Sometimes following Jesus means enduring rejection because we choose to love, pursue justice, and stand with those on the margins. Other times, opposition invites us to examine whether we are responding with the humility, patience, and love of Christ. Rather than asking, “Are we being opposed?” The more faithful question is, “Are we living and loving like Jesus?”

As Bill and Brena reminded us, justice is what love looks like in public, and following Jesus requires both the humility to examine ourselves honestly and the courage to stand alongside those who have been pushed to the margins.