3. Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
In His outstanding sermon on the mount, the Lord Jesus declared, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10, ESV).
The word “righteousness” speaks about “the holy standards of God,” “that which is in opposition to sin,” and “being and doing the right thing in the sight of God.”
Before going further, we must understand that there is none righteous before God’s eyes (Rom. 3:10). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). And it is only through faith in Christ Jesus, who paid the price for our sins on the cross, that we are justified before God and have peace with Him (Rom. 5:1).
All those who have become righteous in Christ before God are now called to live a righteous life in this world. We are aware that the present world is sinful and hostile to the ways of God. Living a life of righteousness here is to suffer and face opposition for righteousness’ sake.
How God’s people face opposition when they rise against crimes like abortion and corruption, speak against immoral things like fornication and homosexuality, and stand against wickedness like idolatry, greed, lies and deception!
The world hates righteousness, the holy standards of God, and it makes life difficult for those who choose to walk in righteousness. However, the Scripture says, “Blessed are those who suffer for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).
Some of us think, “Why do we have to face difficulties when we choose to obey God’s Word? Why do we have to suffer loss for living a righteous life?” But the Word of God makes it plain that we will suffer when we stand for righteousness and that this is a blessed suffering. Not all things go well here for those who stand well for the Lord. It may be well for the soul, but not for the body.
Consider Joseph, a young man who feared God and shunned evil. When Potiphar’s wife chased him to lie with her, he fled from her, causing her to become angry and frustrated. What did he immediately face as a result? False accusation, humiliation and imprisonment (Genesis 39). However, as we know, the Lord eventually exalted Joseph.
Think also about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to compromise with sin. They stood for righteousness. As a result, they faced persecution, humiliation and suffering. In all these difficulties, the Lord stood with them and upheld them. (Book of Daniel)
When we stand uncompromisingly for the Lord and do not compromise with sin, although we face suffering and opposition for a while, the Lord will eventually honor our faithfulness, if not here but certainly on the Day of Judgment.
Having said that, not many who are called as ‘Christians’ and ‘God’s people’ are suffering for righteousness’ sake. They compromise with sin because they either love the pleasures of the world or are afraid to face rejection and suffering for righteousness’ sake. George F. MacLeod rightly said, “The greatest criticism of the church today is that no one wants to persecute it because there is nothing very much to persecute it about.”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, are you suffering only like the world with issues of sickness, finance and interpersonal conflicts? Or are you also suffering differently from the world for righteousness’ sake unlike the world?
Let us, as God’s people, suffer for speaking the truth. May we suffer for standing against injustice and unrighteousness. Let us suffer for not compromising with corruption and deception. May we suffer for speaking boldly in love, calling sin as sin and truth as truth. Let us suffer for righteousness’ sake.
Consider carefully the words of Peter in 1 Peter 3:13-17:
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (ESV)
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Finally, all three parts of the message are written to motivate God’s people to suffer differently from the world. May we be known for suffering for being a Christian, for preaching the gospel of Christ Jesus and for righteousness’ sake. May the Lord give us His grace and mercy to suffer for His glory until His return to take us home with Him in His eternal glory.
Click here to read Part One
Click here to read Part Two
Click here to read Part One Click here to read Part Two
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