Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. Matthew 24:9
Very few people actually like to be hated. They will do whatever they can to keep from being hated. It is for this reason that many people fall for peer pressure to do something that they normally would never do.
A few people will do what is right, regardless of who likes it or not. During the process of doing right, many hate it and come against the person, both socially and physically.
As Jesus was talking about the end times, He promised that they would be persecuted, killed and hated because of Him.
Often when believers are talking about their life as a believer, they do not talk about persecution or being hated. The talk is about God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. While these things are good and true, Jesus also promised persecution, death and hatred.
The majority of the world does not like a strong, true believer because he is for Jesus, who is against their ways of living. A standard of living is higher than the world desires to be and the world hates it.
If someone claims to be a believer, and no one that is not a believer does not like him, there is a question of who or what he is following. Jesus was hated, persecuted and killed. His followers are to be just like Him.
Instead of backing down and being quiet, timid little believers, every believer must be bold in their faith and witnessing as they follow Jesus. There was power promised to those who walk in faith in Jesus. The world will hate that power and will fight back, but the end result is eternal life for the believer.
Ask yourself who hates you and why they hate you. If the world is not angry with your walk with God, then check yourself to see if you are really following and being like Jesus or not.
The world hated Jesus and will hate His followers. The world will do what it can to stop you from following Jesus the more closer to Him you get.
Do not give up under the pressure of hatred, persecution and threat of death. Be like Jesus and go all the way. Go for the goal of eternal life.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that the world will know you believe in and follow Jesus; that God will give you strength to endure hatred and persecution; and that God will draw more people to Jesus through your testimony.
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