How can someone hating you be a blessing? It seems counterintuitive, but it’s a truth that comes directly from the mouth of Jesus. In Luke 6:22 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“.

Simply put…if it seems like people hate you just because you’re a Christian…then you just might be doing something right. Jesus said “they hated me…they’ll hate you“. So, declaring your faith in Him boils up hatred. It’s basically a job hazard. It’s not fun, and it’s not right, but it’s a truth that’s been happening since the first century. Nothing new under the sun.

But let me encourage you to make trust a consistent buzzword in your brain. When you find yourself being reviled because you spoke up for Jesus, remember to trust Him. Sing a song. Tell a funny story and laugh. Say a prayer of thanksgiving right away.

Yep, I said “thanksgiving”. Trusting in the Lord means you believe He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. It doesn’t mean your problems will magically disappear. But it does mean you’ll have the strength and wisdom to see ’em through.

This world is full…overflowing in fact…with people who hate even the name of Jesus. And they’ll hate anyone who dares bring up that name in public. But remember, when they revile you and make fun and do their best to silence you, that’s the time to raise up your voice and sing a new song. Smile in the face of adversity and count it all joy when they persecute you for your faith…

…your Creator’s love is greater than all the hatred of the world.

Stay tuned…