Hatred

 You will be hated by all for my name's sake.
Luke 21:17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.21.17.ESV

If this verse was all we had to go on as to what the Christian life is like, we would be tempted to pack up and go home. Jesus pulls no punches. He doesn't pull the wool over our eyes.

It's not like Jesus was universally loved Himself. In fact, even those who claimed to love Him deserted Him at the end of His earthly pilgrimage. If the world hated Him, why should we expect to be treated any differently?

Jesus tells us we're blessed if we're persecuted, because great is our reward in heaven. Furthermore, He pronounces woe on those who everyone speaks well of, because they spoke well of false prophets too. 'It's not an easy road we are travelling to heaven'.

Jesus, for the joy set before Him endured the cross and scorned its shame. We would do well to endure the hatred of the world for the joy set before us by our Lord. We who endure to the end will be saved.

'Lord, thank You for not putting us under any illusions as to what life will be like living for You. Help us persevere, and so to live forever, in Your name we pray, amen'

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