These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. (John 15:17-21)
Thoughts for today: 6 May 2020
These words Jesus spoke just before he was captured to be crucified. This was His last meal with His disciples. Jesus warns them that:
- the world will hate them,
- they also will be persecuted for His sake.
According to this text, it is therefore not strange that Christians throughout the ages have been persecuted. However, even in the midst of persecution, they had sweet fellowship with Christ and with one another. When we face hatred and persecution, we can flee to Christ and remain in His love. Being persecuted for Christ’s sake is a sign that we are part of His Kingdom. As the hatred of the world intensifies, we can hide in Him, knowing that He had also experienced the hatred of the world.
Our weapons for defense and attack are to press on doing God’s will. This will protect our hearts against grudges, and also reveal Christ to the world.
What a wonderful invitation to know we can remain in Him and in His love for us!
