Your relatives (or your co-workers) think you are a whack-job; crazy. You’ve been called some choice names. They think you are in a cult. And they hate you because you love Jesus and the Word of God, and because you really, actually believe it. They hate you because you love to tell others about Him, and you want to follow Him. They hate the Word of God and everything it says. According to John 1:1-2 and 14, the Word is Jesus. The Word is God.
So they hate Jesus…they hate God.
Our Lord is so good and kind to tell us beforehand that all these things would happen, so that when they did, we would not be ashamed or grieved, or alarmed or confused. He understands: He was hated, mocked, rejected, persecuted. These things are so painful, but Jesus knows this will happen and He tells us what to expect. He loves us and encourages us with these words.
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For I came to set….a daughter against her mother…and a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Matt.10:35-36.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt.5:10.
Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. Matt. 5:11-12.
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1Peter 4:14
Do not marvel, brethren, if the world hates you. 1John 3:13.
And you will be hated by all on account of My name…Matt.10:22.
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. John15:18.
I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14.
Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. At that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another, and hate one another. Matt.24:9-10.
And these things they will do, because they have not known the Father, or Me. John16:3.
Related article:Hated by the World
4 comments
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May 10, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Thomas
Loretta,
There is danger in comparing ourselves with others if it makes us think that we are better than they. I’m not accusing you of this, I’m just trying to make a helpful comment. 2 Corinthians 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” Job’s attitude is good: “Behold, I am vile. . .” Job 40:4.
I used to think I was better than others, being a Christian, but it’s not true because I’m nothing, (less than nothing, having the sin nature) apart from Christ. Christ is all, we are nothing. The Christian’s sin nature still hates God. And, it is very easy and common to be mistaken about being a Christian. “narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14.
“To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen”
May 10, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Loretta
Hi Thomas. This post is simply about being hated and persecuted by unbelievers, because you are a Christian, which happens everyday, all over the world; the Lord Jesus did tell us this would happen.
About natures, I’d say that the Christian’s indwelling Holy Spirit loves God.
Amen about the narrow way which leads to life.
love, Loretta
December 23, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Dru Morgan
Very encouraging post. It comes up first on a google search for “hated for his name”. And, nice to see you on the Ambassador’s Alliance. Don’t Quit.
December 23, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Loretta
hi Dru! Thanks so much….. glad to meet you; very good website and I love the “coffee” theme. Where are you located? God bless you as you serve Him on the streets.