This verse reminds me of Jesus Christ’s words: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). In our following God, we take the way of the cross. This is a way to heaven and eternal life. On this road, it is not smooth sailing. We will face many persecutions and hardships, trials and refinement, such as the persecution and arrest of the satanic atheist regime, and the sneers and slanders of the world. This is suffering for righteousness’ sake. Besides, God uses these persecutions and hardships to perfect our faith so that we will be qualified to inherit the promises of the kingdom of heaven.

After understanding God’s will, we should not be afraid of others’ threats, sarcasm and judgment, but magnify God in our heart, have faith in Him and follow Him resolutely. Only thus can we satisfy God’s will and be the blessed ones. Recall the saints and prophets in ages past: In order to carry out God’s will, spread and testify to His gospel, they suffered many persecutions and hardships, some of whom were even martyred. However, their faithfulness and obedience to God didn’t change. They suffered for righteousness’ sake. They were the blessed ones who were commended by God, worthy of our emulation.