Lessons from Matthew 5: Those Who Suffer

The final characteristic Jesus taught on in Matthew 5:10-11 is a harder one for us to swallow most of the time. This one is about those who suffer, not for what they have done wrong but rather because what they have done is right. It is right in the eyes of the Lord, the real judge!

Jesus said that those who are persecuted because of righteousness (because of what they did that was right in His eyes) are blessed.

Blessed are you when people insult you and speak falsely about you, dredging up all kinds of evil against you because of who you have become in Christ Jesus.

Those Who Suffer

In fact, we are told not to be surprised when this does happen, for it will. It’s a promise that as we become more and more like our Savior, the more uncomfortable people will be to associate with us.

They will mock us like they mocked Jesus. They will turn away from us and try to separate us from our circle of family, friends, or co-workers! And they will try to undermine us and sometimes try to destroy us! The world says just conform or compromise, it really doesn’t matter. But indeed it does matter to God and to our relationship with Him and with others.

So when we suffer we are not to be surprised, we are not to fight back as the world does. Instead, we are to stand on the truth of God’s Word. We will find joy in knowing that, if for no other reason, we are suffering as He did for what we’ve done that is right in His eyes.

One day we will all stand before an audience of one, the Lord God Himself. We will give an account of our deeds. Those who suffered as He did, without retaliation or returning evil for evil, will be rewarded/blessed. The kingdom of heaven is made for Christians such as these.

Dare to be different! Stand firm in your faith! And when the time is right, your Father who is in heaven will greatly reward your suffering and turn it into joy! Pure joy! Righteous joy!

Those who come to God will be filled and renewed in heart, mind, body, and soul!

Won’t you come to Him and seek His righteousness?

Christians are to exhibit Christ-like character in all situations and circumstances of daily living.

Would others, your family, your coworkers, say they see these character traits in you? If you lack any of these traits, will you confess your spiritual poverty and ask God to change your heart?

We live in a world that is contrary or opposed to God, the people and things of God, and the characteristics that most define a Christian. The world we live in has become more and more hostile, more self-centered than ever before. People are bent on evil and self-gratification, looking out for no one but themselves.

There is no greater need than for the people of God to live by and for God in the ways Jesus stated.

In Romans 12:1-2 Paul says,

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

And by doing so we become the salt and light of the earth.

This concludes our study of the 8 Christian character traits. Which of these traits has been most challenging for you?

I hope you will join me as we continue our study of Matthew chapter 5.

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach