Persecution, loss of friends, and even outright rejection. Many Christians who profess to love God and follow Him go through such unpleasant experiences.
Have you ever experienced being hated for loving God? If you have, then you should rejoice.
Jesus' Own Words
The Lord Jesus, the most persecuted and rejected man ever, said in Luke 6:22-23 that those who are persecuted for loving God are blessed. He said,
"Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets."
It's an honour to be persecuted for the love of God. Great men in the Bible, such as Paul, Peter, John, Daniel, and Elijah, have all been persecuted, ridiculed, and mocked for their loyalty and devotion to God. Truth is, if you really love God, you should expect all these to happen in one way or another. Why?
All of us don't see it, but we're all involved in a spiritual war. Those who take God's side are naturally opposed to the god of this world, who is set out to blind the minds of people so that they will not see Christ and be saved (see 2 Corinthians 4:4). If you love God, follow God, and obey God, Satan becomes your enemy, and he will not stop until you turn your back on Jesus.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
That's where the battle is.
Are you hated by people for loving God? Here are some things that you should do.
1. Realise That Your True Hater Is Satan and His Minions (Ephesians 6:12)
Your parents, classmates, colleagues, and friends aren't your real enemy – Satan is. You should put your focus on loving on and praying for the salvation of those who hate you.
2. Realise That Nothing Can Separate You From the Love of God (Romans 8:38-39)
No matter how many people hate you, God will always love you to the very end. Romans 8:38-39 tells us that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Rest on that.
3. Remember All That Christ Had to Go Through to Save You (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Persecution, loss of friends, and even outright rejection. These are but some of the things that Jesus Himself faced as He walked on earth to fulfill His ministry. If He faced these, we surely will. Keep Him in mind always.
