Tuesday, July 10, 2012

" If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love it's own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."  John 15:18&19    We don't follow Jesus because He will make us popular or well-liked. In fact, Jesus pretty much promises that people WILL hate us, simply because they hate Him. There really are no neutral people either. Jesus put people into two categories; those belonging to Him, His "sheep";  those who belong to their father Satan. Even writing this, as an older lady following Jesus a long time now, I still find this truth a bit shocking! I'll admit that at times, I still find the thought of rejection very painful, even dwelling sometimes on rejection that happened a long time ago & feeling fresh pain. I think it's okay to admit it hurts when people hate us, we just need to give that hurt to God & trust Him, not taking revenge, not growing fearful or cowardly. "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do." Jesus prayed for his torturers. Since He lives in us, we develop the same attitude.   But I want to end on a positive note; God intends the love among the brethren to absolutely stun us at times with it's depth. I continue to experience that fellowship & am learning to dwell on the sweetness of the memories, by God's grace; rather than the sting of negative memories. The best thing about agape love is it's origin ; God Himself dwelling in us.  " And the Word became flesh & dwelt among us, & we beheld His glory..."  John 1:14    He still dwells among us!

1 comment:

  1. Such, such truth in this! We are told to expect persecution and hatred. We are either accepted or rejected. These are such difficult truths to learn! But praise God that it isn't all bad - that He uses even that which hurts us for our good, and that He blesses us with an incredible community, gives us more than all the support we need. So beautiful!

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