Matthew 5:11-12–Blessed are Those Who Are Persecuted For Christ

Matthew 5:11-12–"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

This verse has an interesting affect on Christians, as if persecution validates the Christian experience. Because of this, Christians sometimes seek out opportunities to become reviled for controversial viewpoints that may or may not have anything at all to do with Christ.  The truth is, though, that the Gospel of Christ is offensive; we don't need to add to or amend this message at all in order for us to be reviled for it.  In truth, actually, this verse is about being persecuted because of Christ, not because of us but because of who He is.  It is about being lights that shine His glory and letting His grace affect the world through us.  This is what this verse is about.  And it is what Christ is asking of us.