Hatred

 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mrk.13.13.ESV

We all want to be loved. People don't tend to set out to get people to hate them. Even Jesus, the most divisive figure in history, didn't go out of His way to make people hate Him.

We can't say Jesus didn't warn us. They hated Him; they will hate us His people. They killed Him; many who kill Christians think they're doing God a service.

Why would we do anything for Jesus's sake if it's going to bring hatred our way? Because if we endure to the end, we will be saved. Eternity in glory is worth a lifetime of hatred.

Here's a concerning thought. What if people don't hate us? If the persecuted are blessed, what if people speak well of us? In that case, we must be doing something wrong.

'Blessed God, we seek Your blessing, knowing that it comes to the persecuted and despised of the world. Help us to trust that You know better than worldly wisdom, in Jesus' name, amen'

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