Matthew 5:10-12 10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when `men' shall reproach you, and persecute you, and 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 that were before you. Two ways persecution manifests itself I. Persecution of the hand II. Persecution of the tongue Two things for which persecution comes I. Righteousness II. Jesus