You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:21
Nobody likes to be hated by anyone. Most people will do whatever they can to prevent others from hating them. Being completely different and going against the flow often causes others to hate.
People like things to be easy and to go with the common flow, rather than being different. When someone is different, it often gives the feeling that one is inferior or a failure. It becomes very difficult to go against the common flow.
Jesus warns the disciples that they will be hated because of Him. Yet He tells them to stand firm and be saved in the end.
Following Jesus is not popular with the majority of people throughout the world. In following Jesus, one must be willing to change his ways of thinking and acting. He has to choose to leave all sin behind and walk a different path that has eternity, not the temporary, in mind.
When a person is truly following Jesus with all of his abilities, many in the world, including the church, will hate him. The follower of Jesus is set apart as different because he is not just focused on today, but upon eternity. He is willing to reject sin and take a stand against it.
Following Jesus brings light to the world and exposes sin and darkness that most do not want to acknowledge. People will hate anyone who exposes this darkness in their life. They want to live in the moment and will hate the believer.
Although standing against the flow of this fallen world will bring hatred, it will result in salvation for all eternity, not just a temporary pleasure. It takes a strong stand to stand against the sin of this world.
As a believer, people will hate you. It is not you they are hating so much, as it is they are hating Jesus and what He stands for.
If people are not hating you for following Jesus, you may want to ask yourself if you are truly following Jesus with all of your abilities. Jesus was hated by many while He walked on the earth and you are to be no different.
Even though people may hate you, do not give up. Stand strong in your following Jesus so that in the end you will receive eternal life.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will stand as a light of Jesus in this world; that you will not fear the hatred of people; that you will know the salvation Jesus provides; and that you will stand strong and true for God until the end.
What a timely word, Tom. I think it will become increasingly harder to stand firm. But God will strengthen us!
Amen. I agree that God is with us and will give us the needed strength as long as we rely upon Him and not ourselves.