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

There are many forms of persecution. Having your life threatened because of your faith in Jesus is one way you 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 more deadly form of persecution is simply men speaking evil of you or separating you from their company as Jesus mentions here in verses 11 and 12. It's more deadly 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 you just as ineffective as would a negative reaction to your life being threatened.

It helps to recognize that it is not you that they are persecuting, but rather Christ in you (Acts 9:4). You are actually becoming a partaker of His sufferings (Phil. 3:10) and will share His rewards (Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; Heb. 11:26). With this in mind, we can actually shout and leap for joy in persecution (Lk. 6:22-23; Acts 5:41).