The Beatitude does not say, “Blessed are the persecuted, PERIOD!” Unfortunately, this is the way it is sometimes interpreted. Those who read it like this delude themselves into thinking that any time they experience conflict they are bearing the reproach of Christ. Sadly, Christians are very often persecuted not for their Christianity, but for a lack of it. Sometimes they are rejected simply because they have unpleasing personalities. Know that EVERYONE who seeks to live like Jesus WILL BE PERSECUTED…There are no exceptions!
