Words about the WORD - Brian Anderson - Albany United Pentecostal Church
Beatitudes (Part 3): The Blessing of Peace and Perseverance
Text: Matthew 5:9–12
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Peacemakers: Called
the Children of God
The ninth verse of Matthew chapter five speaks a truth our world desperately needs: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Jesus did not say blessed are the peace-talkers or blessed are those who look peaceful on the outside. Instead, He calls for peacemakers—men and women who actively cultivate peace in their hearts and in their relationships.
To make peace means far more than keeping quiet when disagreements arise. It is not about sweeping conflict under the rug. A peacemaker is one whose very character is shaped by a deep affection for harmony. Just as someone who is addicted to lying can be called a liar, the one who consistently works toward peace can rightly be called a peacemaker.
This requires more than occasional effort. Peace must become who we are, not simply something we put on when it benefits our image. That is why Jesus ties this blessing to our identity as “children of God.” God Himself is the source of peace, and to reflect His nature means to live out peace in our words, attitudes, and actions.
Persecuted for
Righteousness’ Sake
Jesus immediately shifts from the promise of peace to the reality of persecution. At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. How can the peacemaker, whose aim is harmony, still be persecuted? Yet this is precisely what Jesus teaches: living a righteous life will sometimes bring opposition rather than applause.
Persecution is more than physical harm. It includes being subjected to hostility, being harassed, or being persistently annoyed simply because of one’s faith and convictions. Jesus goes even further, acknowledging that His followers would endure false accusations, slander, and verbal abuse. The word “revile” carries the idea of being criticized in a harsh or insulting way.
Christ Himself experienced these very things. He was mocked, falsely accused, and ultimately crucified. His followers are called to walk the same path. But persecution is not a sign of God’s absence. Rather, it is proof of our connection to Him. Verse ten assures us that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, heaven belongs to those who endure for righteousness’ sake.
Strength in Suffering
The Apostle Paul echoed this truth in 2 Corinthians 4:6–10. He reminds us that though we are troubled on every side, we are not distressed; though persecuted, we are not forsaken. Even in moments when life knocks us down, God’s power sustains us. Paul described believers as “earthen vessels” carrying the treasure of Christ within. Our weakness only highlights God’s strength.
This perspective transforms how we view suffering. Trials are not the end of our story. Instead, they become the very stage upon which God’s glory is displayed. Persecution may wound, but it cannot destroy. False accusations may sting, but they cannot erase the truth of who we are in Christ.
Rejoicing in the Reward
Perhaps the most radical command in this passage comes in verse twelve: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” How can Jesus expect us to rejoice in persecution? Because the reward is greater than the pain. Our joy is not rooted in the momentary trial but in the eternal promise—“great is your reward in heaven.”
Jesus reminds His listeners that even the prophets of old were persecuted. From Jeremiah thrown into a pit to Daniel cast into a den of lions, God’s faithful servants faced hostility yet remained steadfast. By walking this path, believers join a long line of courageous witnesses who bore suffering for the sake of truth.
A Word for Today
These words from the Sermon on the Mount remain strikingly relevant. In a time when division runs rampant, peacemakers are needed more than ever. Our families, churches, and communities long for those who will sow seeds of reconciliation rather than discord.
At the same time, standing for biblical truth often brings ridicule in today’s culture. Faithful Christians may be misunderstood, mocked, or misrepresented. Yet Jesus calls us not to retreat in fear but to rejoice in the assurance of His kingdom.
Conclusion
“Blessed are the peacemakers” and “blessed are the persecuted” may seem like opposing truths, but together they form a complete picture of the Christian life. We are called to bring peace wherever possible, yet we must be prepared to endure persecution when righteousness provokes resistance.
In both peace and persecution, God is faithful. His children are marked by peace, sustained through suffering, and promised a heavenly reward. In the words of Paul, “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” May this truth encourage us to live boldly, love deeply, and rejoice exceedingly in the blessings of the Kingdom of God.
