Why Are Christians Hated?
By George Stroh
September 24, 2012
Do not be surprised brethren, if the world hates you. (1 John 3:13)
The disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ were first called Christians, at the Church of Antioch around 49 AD. Christians, i.e. devoted followers of Christ, have always been hated and persecuted by the world of non-Christians. Many, including all of the original Apostles of Christ, were martyred simply because of their devotion to Jesus Christ. But Why?
While acceptance, respect and tolerance of every other religion is socially and politically correct, we are seeing an increase in the hatred and open hostility toward true Christians all over the world. And we can expect this hatred and open hostility to spread, even right here in America. Our Lord plainly told us; If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were in the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)
But why do they hate Jesus? He was without sin. He healed many and even raised some who had died. He was the most loving, kind, compassionate person who ever walked the earth. And yet He was and continues to be hated. Why? Because He claimed to be the only Son of God. Because He claimed to be God and because He claimed that in Him alone is salvation, eternal life, absolute truth and the only way to God; Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father but through Me." (John 14:6)
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy and all true followers of Jesus Christ; Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12) Those who want to avoid the hatred and persecution, should just keep quiet about their love for Jesus. If you want to be loved by the world, don't tell people the truth that in Him alone there is forgiveness of sins and that there is no other name by which one can be saved from the coming wrath of God. Don't insist that the Bible alone is the complete truth and inerrant word of God. And don't talk about coming judgment and that most people will spend eternity in a literal hell. But also remember this; Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)
The love of this world cannot be compared to the love of Jesus. And the hatred and persecutions we may have to endure in this life because we love Him, cannot be compared to the eternal life that we will enjoy as followers of Jesus Christ; Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3) Maranatha!
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