October 2025

How can I be happy when people attack me for doing the right thing? “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” Matthew 5:10 Parents who won’t let their teenage daughter go to R-rated movies might not win a “Favorite Parent” contest with their daughter’s classmates because they seem too restrictive. They are only trying to look out for the welfare of their daughter. A factory employee working at a fast pace may get a talking to by others on the job. He might hear, “Stop working so hard. You’re making the rest of us look bad.” He’s only trying to be a faithful worker and do his best. A freshman in high school has spent hours studying for the science test. Some of his classmates know that he’ll do well on the test, so they ask him to let them copy his answers. He tells them “No.” Those same classmates begin to make life miserable for him. He was only trying to be honest and not help others cheat. Can any of these people be happy that they did the right thing? Is there any happiness in being looked at differently or having a reputation ruined? Wouldn’t it be better to do things that won’t cause conflict? It may surprise you, but Jesus says that people can have joy in their hearts for doing the right thing. “Blessed (happy) are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (doing the right thing), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus knew that it isn’t always easy to do the right thing. But with these words Jesus is talking to people who know him. They know who he is. They know he is God who came as the Savior to forgive their failures and guarantee a place in heaven for them. People who know and trust in Jesus want to do the right thing. They want to be parents who look out for their child’s well-being. They want to use their talents and abilities as best they can. They want to live honestly. They do this even if they are attacked for doing the right thing. In the way they live, they want to thank Jesus because he’s promised them the gift of heaven. Be happy knowing that there is someplace better waiting for you. It’s a place where there is no backbiting or peer pressure. It’s the place called heaven. Jesus promised it.