Note 7 at Mt 5:10: Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian life (Joh 15:18-20 and Php 1:29-30). The only Christians who don't suffer persecution are those who aren't living godly lives (2Ti 3:12). Persecution is from Satan and is designed to uproot God's Word in our lives (Mr 4:16-17) by taking our eyes off of Jesus (Heb 12:1-3) and, therefore, making us fall into strife or despondency (Jas 3:16).

There are many forms of persecution. Having our lives threatened because of our faith in Jesus is one way we can be persecuted, but it is not the most damaging. History shows that the church has always flourished under persecution with increased numbers and zeal. During intense, life-threatening persecution, people's priorities get straightened out, and the Lord assumes His rightful place. This always works for our good, regardless of what our outward circumstances might be.

A far deadlier form of persecution is simply people speaking evil of us or separating us from their company, as Jesus mentioned in Mt 5:11-12. It's deadlier because it's more subtle. Many who would never directly deny the Lord will fall into self-pity or strife because of someone's criticism. This will render us just as ineffective as would a negative reaction to our lives being threatened.

It helps to recognize that it is not us whom they are persecuting, but rather Christ in us (Ac 9:4). We are actually becoming partakers of His sufferings (Php 3:10) and will share His rewards (Ro 8:17-18, 2Ti 2:11-12, and Heb 11:26). With this in mind, we can actually shout and leap for joy in persecution (Lu 6:22-23 and Ac 5:41).