Blessed Are The Persecuted

The Beatitudes, Pt. 7 | April 6, 2025
Pastor Joey Sarlo

Live by earth's values, reap earth's rewards. 
Live by Kingdom values, reap the Kingdom. 

Matthew 5:10 (NIV) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted… 

We can live the world's way or the Word's way. 

We just have to choose. 

Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV) “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.” 

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV) That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Matthew 5:13,14 (NIV) You are the salt of the earth… 

      You are the light of the world… 

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 24:10 (NKJV) And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 

Luke 17:1 (NKJV) Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come...” 

Proverbs 18:19 (NIV) An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. 

BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED 
 
1. Choose to overlook the offense.

Proverbs 10:12 (CEV) ...Love overlooks the wrongs that others do. 

Proverbs 12:16 (GNT) When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult. 

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. 
 

Love looks past the behavior and imagines the pain in their life. 


2. Keep your heart free from unforgiveness.

Luke 11:4 (NLT) “and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 


3. Pray, bless, and do good to them.

Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 

Romans 12:21 (NIV) "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 


4. Remember your eternal reward.