Are You Hated By the World?

In our society today we are increasingly seeing an erosion of what we considered core moral values just 20 years ago.  The assault come from all sides and is continuous and unrelenting.  As Christians there are two basic things we need to remember.  First; this world is not our home and second; we will be hated for standing for Biblical truth.

Jesus tells us in John 15:18-22 that we will not be immune to being hated by those who reject Christ.  In fact, it will be quite the opposite.  Even as Christ was hated so too will we be hated.  When we stand for truth there will be a flood of hate and vitriol sent our way.  We will be called names, we will be ostracized and we risk physical violence and even death.  The further humanity removes itself from God in favor of living lives of selfishness and depravity the worse it will get.  

We must keep in mind though that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, (Ephesians 6:12), but against spiritual forces.  These forces come from within, which the bible calls sin or iniquity, and without which would be demonic in origin.  We are to resist Satan and his demons but we are called to love the people.  Loving them doesn't mean condoning sinful actions and behaviors, it means being gentle but firm as we present the truth of God as written in His Word keeping in mind the entire time that we are but sinners saved by grace.  If it wasn't for Christ's work on the cross and our acceptance and submission to the same we would still be where they are.

So, is there any good news?  Yes, Christ will return for those who did not reject Him and we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.  Of course the surest barometer for whether you are standing firm in the faith is the amount of resistance you are experiencing from those who oppose God and His laws.  Are you hated by the world?