Our Response to Hate

This is as good a time as any, to remember how the Lord Jesus responded to those who hated Him, and to remember His instructions to us regarding how we are to respond to those who hate us. He told us to take up our cross and follow Him. He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. Let us follow Him.

Jesus’ response:
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth;
like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. Isaiah 53:7. (He did not defend Himself.)

Now Jesus stood before the governor and the governor questioned Him saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
(He identified Himself.)

And while He was being accused by the cheif priests and elders, He made no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against You?” And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so that the governor was quite amazed. Matt.27:11-14. (Jesus did not defend Himself.)

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.

Our response:
Be glad in that day, and leap for joy…Luke 6:23.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad… Matt.5:12.

Keep on rejoicing…1 Pe.4:13.

But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Matt.10:19-20.

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matt.5:44.

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke6:27-28.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Romans 12:14.

when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure(suffer)..
1 Cor.4:12.

But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24