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Why Would Anyone Hate Me?
Why Would Anyone Hate Me?
The hostility toward truth and those who hold it as the foundation of life have always been on the receiving end of mockery, criticism, and disdain. People wanting to do right are being persecuted because of it. Why shame people who are attempting to live holy, righteous, and honest lives? It does not make sense...
Place 1 Peter 2:11,12 in your memory bank. We are pilgrims and sojourners in this world. Realize in your pilgrimage your place is to be a witness in WORD and in DEED. Equally criticizing those who oppose you does not help. Being as vile as they are will not convert them. Fight back or “fight fire with fire” will only increase the hostility which already exists. Resolve instead to show love, speak truth, humble obedience, and righteous living…
Pray for love toward your enemies (Matthew 6:44-48). Pray to be an example for them. Ask God to give you the words to lead them to God…
Stand firmly upon the truth and pattern of things God set in order (1 Timothy 4:16). Take heed to what the truth you already believe and continue in it. While there are so many temptations for you to compromise or relax biblical standards. Remain steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Unless we conform to “the faith” already established in scripture, the world will never know what the pattern is…
People who genuinely love the Lord are rare. That rarity can make the difference in so many places in the world. Your family’s conviction to truth makes a difference at school, the neighborhood, the grocery store, the ball field, and extended family. If others cannot see a difference or hear a difference, something is wrong. Keep in mind, it may be unusual, but it is not sinful to be different. Remain to be scripturally different. “That ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God…wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you..” (1 Peter 4:2,4).
Keep in mind the need for the strength of God. His way will not be defeated. It will not be mocked. Sin has its consequences (Galatians 6:7,8). Hold fast to what is good. Do not turn good into evil or evil into good. Let the power of the gospel continue to save others (Romans 1:16) and be your strength for all time (Ephesians 6:10-18). Know and live for whom you believe (2 Timothy 1:12). Lean on the mighty arm of God for strength in morally troubling times. Commit your life to a faithful God (1 Peter 4:19). Rely upon the word. Seek God’s approval always. As one man said, “If you’re sure of God’s approval, you need not fear the world’s disapproval.” “Be not overcome of evil,…overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21)…
