“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

Let me tell you something most folks don’t expect: doing the right thing doesn’t always make life easier. Sometimes, it makes it harder. Standing for what’s right in a world that loves what’s wrong? That’ll get you laughed at, left out, and maybe even lied about. But Jesus said blessed are those who are persecuted—not because they stirred up trouble, but because they chose to live right.

You see, persecution isn’t proof that you’re losing… it might be proof that you’re walking with the King. When your faith gets tested, when your motives get questioned, when you get pushback for simply living out what Jesus has put in you—don’t hang your head. Lift it up. Because that’s when the kingdom shows up in you the strongest.

It’s not easy. But it is worth it. Because the kingdom of heaven doesn’t belong to the comfortable… it belongs to the courageous. So keep shining. Keep standing. Keep loving. Even when it costs you. Because when you live for Jesus, no pain is wasted, no trial is unnoticed, and no stand is unseen.

You’re not alone—and you’re not defeated. You’re blessed.