Those Hated Christians
This maple is waving to you from Shiloh! It makes me want to dance.
A lot of people hate Christians. We really shouldn't be surprised, there is persecution and hatred of Christ's followers all around the world and this has been occurring ever since the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Scripture clearly states this reality.
"Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you." 1 John 3:13
Growing up in a nation where Christianity has been embraced and admired, causes me to be shocked at times and struggle to accept the turn of the tide. Several years ago, in a presidential election year, we were sitting in a small dining room at a country club with three other Bible believing couples. You know, the kind that bow their heads and say a blessing in a public restaurant. In that same room a large table was set for twelve. We were well into our meal when the other group, whom we knew personally, arrived. When they saw who we were they asked the waitress to move them to another room. I'm still in disbelief that they wouldn't eat in the same room with us because of our beliefs.
"Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you." 1 John 3:13
Growing up in a nation where Christianity has been embraced and admired, causes me to be shocked at times and struggle to accept the turn of the tide. Several years ago, in a presidential election year, we were sitting in a small dining room at a country club with three other Bible believing couples. You know, the kind that bow their heads and say a blessing in a public restaurant. In that same room a large table was set for twelve. We were well into our meal when the other group, whom we knew personally, arrived. When they saw who we were they asked the waitress to move them to another room. I'm still in disbelief that they wouldn't eat in the same room with us because of our beliefs.
During 2020 two conversations aroused reality checks for me.
One gentleman shared, "I'm not sharing names, but I never thought I'd see the day a political candidate made it so clear he hates Christians." WOW! Blows my mind to think of a mindset that believes being anti-Christian would gain you votes in a nation founded as "One nation under God" where religious freedom has always been proclaimed.
The other gentleman was explaining how he just read an article by a Harvard professor stating that Christians are not supporting the stay at home orders, because they believe in an after life and are not afraid to die. (I'd agree we are not controlled by fear and look forward to heaven, but not that we are being outwardly disrespectful or thumbing our noses at the severity of the COVID situation because we are Christians. Believers were and are still praying fervently for healing in our land.)
The professor went on to say that people without faith are hunkering down and doing everything possible to preserve their lives. Prayerfully, this article brought people to the point of considering a faith in Christ.
"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!"
John 3:17
A couple reminders...It's not us personally the world hates...it is Christ in us.
"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 11:12
In the midst of the mess we are to stand out, be set apart and love others as Christ does.
We are called to live virtuous lives that ooze with the fruit of the Spirit.
One gentleman shared, "I'm not sharing names, but I never thought I'd see the day a political candidate made it so clear he hates Christians." WOW! Blows my mind to think of a mindset that believes being anti-Christian would gain you votes in a nation founded as "One nation under God" where religious freedom has always been proclaimed.
The other gentleman was explaining how he just read an article by a Harvard professor stating that Christians are not supporting the stay at home orders, because they believe in an after life and are not afraid to die. (I'd agree we are not controlled by fear and look forward to heaven, but not that we are being outwardly disrespectful or thumbing our noses at the severity of the COVID situation because we are Christians. Believers were and are still praying fervently for healing in our land.)
The professor went on to say that people without faith are hunkering down and doing everything possible to preserve their lives. Prayerfully, this article brought people to the point of considering a faith in Christ.
"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!"
John 3:17
A couple reminders...It's not us personally the world hates...it is Christ in us.
"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22
God is fully aware of what we are enduring and promises we will be blessed and rewarded for our steadfastness.
In the midst of the mess we are to stand out, be set apart and love others as Christ does.
We are called to live virtuous lives that ooze with the fruit of the Spirit.
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Galatians 5:22-23
"And God's servants must not be troublemakers. They must be kind to everyone, and they must be good teachers and very patient. Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them to turn to him and learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2:24-25
"Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." 1 Peter 3:15
So, daily we remember the importance of self-examination before the Holy Spirit.
"...keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." 1 Peter 3:16
Be encouragers in the faith!
"Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
