Following Jesus When Hatred Comes

My dear son,

If following Jesus brings hatred from people, do not conclude that my love has left you, too. Jesus walked that road before you. The response of a world that does not know me cannot tell the whole story of your faith.

I want you to hold onto the love Jesus taught, rather than grow harsher in proportion to the hostility you receive. When you need help, tell someone trustworthy about your circumstances. You are allowed to ask for support.

On peaceful days, share joy with the people you meet. Whatever the day brings, remember the love to which you belong. Tonight, quietly entrust your desire to follow me to your Father, along with your concerns about other people's reactions.

With all my love,
Your Father

John 15:18–21

WEB

18If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.
19If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
21But they will do all these things to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me.

A short reflection

Jesus tells the disciples that the world hated him first and may persecute them because of his name, explaining that this hostility comes from not knowing the Father.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter