Now the beatitude not only describes the nature of the Christian's persecution, persecution for the sake of righteousness. It also promises happiness to the one who is thus persecuted. How can persecution add to a Christian's happiness? Let me suggest two ways in which it is possible.
Well, then, if the verse does not mean being persecuted for being objectionable, or doing wrong, or being fanatical, or endorsing a cause, what does it mean? What does it mean to be persecuted for righteousness' sake, for Christ's sake? Simply put, it means to be persecuted for being like the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Jesus said that those who are persecuted for being like him will be happy. What is more, those who are like him will always be persecuted.
Thus, there is no promise of happiness for those who are persecuted for being a nuisance, for Christians who have shown themselves to be objectionable, difficult, foolish, and insulting to their non-Christian friends. This is not the thing about which Christ was speaking.
All of these writers would have agreed in an instant that even in the most tolerant country the cross would never cease to be a symbol for derision and intense hostility. Furthermore, they would have urged that the absence of persecution (as well as its presence) should drive a believer quickly to his knees.
The Bible says, in many different passages, that true disciples of Jesus Christ will be persecuted. It is inevitable, a natural consequence of exhibiting true Christian character. And yet, any honest assessment of the Christian church in America must point out that although the country itself is far from Christian and ungodly, nevertheless there is very little persecution of Christians today.
