Be comforted by the fact that Jesus was also hated.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Have you ever extended kindness to someone only to have that person take it the wrong way and explode with anger? This happened to Jesus many times during his time on this earth. He came to bring the message of God's love, but was often rejected and excluded.
You might be tempted to think that if only you communicated differently, loved better, behaved more perfectly, you'd be spared the pain of rejection, and people would easily receive your message. The truth is that Jesus loved perfectly, never sinned, and communicated with divine insight and grace. Still, people responded to him with hatred. Why? Because his message upset their neat categories. The love to which he called people was radical indeed.
Jesus wants you to know that you won't be spared the pain of hatred and rejection as you live out your faith. You can, however, be encouraged by several truths: You're in good company; you're not alone because you can rely on the Holy Spirit to teach you and comfort you; and love conquers all. When Jesus died on the cross, God's love conquered death. His love is the only force that can conquer the hatred that's in the world. (See also Daniel 6; Hebrews 10:32-39; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Revelation 14:12, 13.)
Good Words to Remember:
A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. John 15:20
Today's Challenge:
The next time you're kind to someone and that person explodes, how will you respond?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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