The Beatitude Fight
The Beatitudes are not only a picture of Christlike living, they are a roadmap for how we respond when misunderstood, criticized, or even falsely accused by unbelievers and sometimes by fellow believers. When my faith or motives are in question, my natural instincts are to defend, prove, or fight back. But Jesus calls me into a different way: the Beatitude Fight of surrender, humility, and trust in His righteousness rather than my own.
Hungering for Christ’s Heart
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
My hunger is not to be right, but for the heart of Jesus—His righteousness in me, His love for broken followers, His healing for fractured relationships. This means dying to my consuming emotions of hurt, anger, or resentment so that I can love like Jesus, even when I feel attacked by someone who follows Jesus, just like me.
Acknowledging My Poverty of Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5:3)
When I am criticized, I am tempted to cling to my own “rightness.” Acknowledging my impoverished spiritual state, I am not “trying harder”, I am seeking His grace (ability) to yield to His Spirit’s work in me.
Spiritual impoverishment: Admitting that in myself, I don’t have all the answers.
Letting go of pride: Dying to the “expert” in me who must always be right.
Surrender: Releasing my will, my way, and what I want.
Instead of proving myself righteous, I lean into Christ’s righteousness since I am impoverished, His way is always better.
Mourning My Desire to Control
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
I must grieve not only losses, but also the prideful desires in me:
The urge to rule or control conversations.
The need to be right, prove, defend, or justify myself.
The instinct to attack through blame, accusation, or projection.
Surrendering these impulses opens space for God’s comfort and transformation.
Choosing Mercy Over Defense
When others question or accuse me, the Beatitudes remind me: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:5 & 7)
Instead of defending myself or pointing out their flaws, I am called to:
Breathe deep His Spirit to listen with compassion, blow out my defense.
Trust in Christ’s righteousness, not mine or theirs (Romans 5).
Extend understanding and acceptance, even when I feel misunderstood.
Die to the urge of dismantling their reasoning, I am not God. I could be wrong, I don’t have to be right.
Being meek and giving mercy means giving space for God to work in their heart, while I keep my own eyes fixed on Jesus.
God’s Favor in Persecution
Jesus made it clear: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11)
When fellow Christians misunderstand, blame, or falsely accuse me, I can take comfort in His strength and comfort since He is my reward. Other followers of Christ can see me as a competitor, criticize my participation on the wrong team/denomination, disrespect my opinions or be disappointed with my decisions. My reputation, whether others like me, or what they think of me, is surrendered to Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2 reminds me to “fix my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith”. My focus is not on defending myself, but on the unseen work of the Holy Spirit shaping me through these trials (2 Corinthians 4: ).
My Response is?
“To rejoice and be glad because great is my reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12a).
If there is any consolation, you are fully human, prone to making mistakes or being the person who is hurtful, selfish and self righteous. Be thankful for the Father’s forgiveness of your sins, being inputted with Christ’s righteousness. Plus, you are not the only one who has been and will be harmed or persecuted by others (well intentioned or self justified individuals); since the Old Testament prophets and leaders were also treated this way (Matthew 5:12b).
Rejoice and be glad, Jesus is our righteousness, even though others’ words can bite us, hurt us and penetrate our humanity. We are free from their ultimate curses and satan’s sting of death. Jesus' righteousness is my defense and life giving answer to others (Christ followers, religious or irreligious people) who have a judgmental moment, defensive posture, selfish attitude or insensitive habit.