You Can Remain Strong When People Hate You Because of Your Faith
The following are quotes from the recent edition of Decision Magazine from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc. They speak about the current atmosphere in our country and around the world . . . one that Jesus addressed more than 2000 years ago.
“Christian, churches and faith-based ministries will be in the crosshairs for believing in the authoritative Word of God as He asserts His uncompromising truth on . . . whatever He calls sin.” ~ Rev. Franklin Graham
“The church today desperately needs a spiritual awakening. We’re in danger of trying to do the work of the Kingdom of God in our own strength. We’re often using the wrong kind of weapons.” ~ Rev. Billy Graham
“What we are witnessing is not political or social, it’s spiritual. Satan is simply doing his routine acts of stealing, killing and destroying.” ~ Dr. Haywood Robinson
Jesus told His disciples:
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.
John 15:18–19
Do you ever wonder what you’re supposed to do with this information? All you and I have to do is look around to see that things are becoming more and more unsettling for those who consider themselves Bible-believing followers of Jesus. The more openly people express their hate for Jesus followers the more tempting it can be to quit talking about our faith.
Before Jesus cautioned His disciples with this warning about the way people would hate them, He said…
- Remain in me. (John 15:4)
- Produce much fruit to show you are my true disciples. (John 15:8)
- Remain in my love. (John 15:9)
- Obey my commandments. (John 15:10)
- Love each other. (John 15:17)
Because when followers of do these things, Jesus said…
You will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:11
And why did He inform them? Because…
You are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:15
The Good News is that by God’s grace, we aren’t alone in this battle against the world’s hatred…
I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
John 15:26
Will you pray with me?
A Prayer to Remain Strong When People Hate You
Lord Jesus, thank you for wanting to replace my fear of the attitudes and opinions of others with Your love . . . love that calls me Your friend and fills me with joy! You suffered hatred and rejection to give me Your healing peace. You endured the cross to give me a full and abundant life. Your grace covers my weakness. Your love covers my shame.
You told Your followers the importance of remaining connected to You, the true Vine and source of life. When people are cut off from You . . . hatred is able to win. But when we are attached to You we have what we need to trust and obey Your because You infuse us with Your love.
Please give me the strength I need to endure when people hate me. Please help me continue to trust and obey Your will even when everyone around me stands in opposition. Please fill me with the power of Your Spirit and help me live each day for Your glory. I praise You. I worship You. I love You. Amen.
It’s challenging when people hate us. It’s hard to see regulations made that deny our freedom of speech and worship. It’s painful to see good being called evil and evil being proclaimed good.
But we are not alone.
Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
The Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!
Deuteronomy 20:4
“Don’t be afraid! Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
On today’s note write:
Even when people hate me, Jesus will make me strong!
May God bless you today with strength, hope, joy, and love to endure as you remain in Him.
Thank you for this Deb, it’s just what I need to hear and reinforce in my mind right now.
Thank you, Melanie! I am so glad you visiting and I am blessed by your kindness. God bless you!
I truly needed to be reassured of Jesus’ promises today, Deb. Yes, the world does hate us, but let us remember that He told us it would, and cling harder than ever to our Lord who saves and protects us.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha! I am so thankful that we can cling to Him and hold close to His promises. God bless you and continue to hold you close today.
Jesus will give us what we need to endure, even when the world hates us. The Holy Spirit lives in us, strengthening us and encouraging us. We have nothing to fear in the chaos. We do not belong to the world, we are children of the most high God and heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. We are under His protection all the days of our lives. Thank you Deb for your reassuring words today. God is using you in a very powerful way, to get His message across. He fights all our battles…..He has the victory and prepares a table for us, in the sight of our enemies. When we follow Him and trust Him, we have nothing to fear. May God bless you and keep you. Have a lovely day and I look forward to reading your next devotional.
Angela – Ireland
Thank you, Angela! What a blessing to know and rest in His promises. He is our strength is all of life. God bless you, friend!