There is little joy in persecution itself. No one, not even the Holy One of Israel, joyed in persecution. It is not something to be desired, and certainly not something to be appreciated and enjoyed. The Lord’s final beatitude is one of consolation. The true Christian will eventually be persecuted for his beliefs and way of life. In this he should not feel alone, nor should he be surprised see (1 Peter 4:12-13), for he is in good company.
The best blood of scores of generations has been shed by those who sought to malign and eradicate the believers. And should the true believer be called upon to seal his witness through the giving of his life, then glory and honor and exaltation await him hereafter. “And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal” (D&C 98:13; compare D&C 101:15, 35).