Have you ever felt like throwing your hands up in frustration at the lack of response (or even downright obstinance) from unbelievers? I certainly have, and if I only depended on myself, I’m certain I would have retreated into my own personal Christianity long ago. But Christians were admonished by Paul to not “grow weary while doing good especially to those who are of the household of faith“.

It definitely gets tiresome to hear, for the umpteenth time, things like…

• “You think you’re better than me.” or
• “You just want everybody to believe just like you.” or
• “Don’t tell me what’s in the Bible. I’ve read it.”

It’s ironic how often these statements come from people who would benefit from the love and grace of Jesus so much. And it’s sad how bitter and angry they sound as they turn down that message.

But if you’re a member of the household of faith, I’m sure you’re aware of what Jesus meant when He said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you“. Maybe you don’t feel a threat to your life like Jesus faced, but if you’ve stood up for Him, you’ve no doubt felt some hatred or, at the very least, some disdain coming in your direction.

I’ve experienced a good dose of that this very day. While I don’t enjoy lies about me conjured up by those whose guilt and shame precedes them, I still stand on the love God has for me. So…as I’ve said before…if the whole world, every person in it hates me, but Jesus loves me…then I win.

If you’re feeling hatred and persecution for your faith, hope, and love in your Creator, let me encourage to to remember to hang in there. It’s worth it. When you’re in the household of faith, you’re also…

In The House of the Lord

Father God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.

You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.

Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.

He”™s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He”™s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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