If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18 NKJV)
Dear Jesus, You said it: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” We’re seeing the fulfillment of that prophecy every time we turn around. I would dare say that many American Christians have given little thought to this because we have relied too heavily on our Constitutional Freedom of Religion. But that’s just a piece of paper. We are seeing our rights to believe being systematically attacked and broken down every day. So indeed, we are living the truth that You spoke — the world hates us because the world hates You. I’m sorry, Jesus. I’m so sorry that others have failed to recognize Your goodness. My heart aches for those who would resent You after all You suffered to forgive anyone who place their hope in You. My heart grieves that there are those whose hatred for You will be their ultimate and eternal demise. My prayer is for Your Holy Spirit to sweep through the world and bring revival again. Let it start with me. Help me to see those who hate You as broken, lost souls who desperately need You. Give me eyes to see them the way You do and fill me with compassion rather than the anger I’m tempted by. May they see that You are who You say You are — the Son of God. The eternal Messiah. The Way. The Truth. And the Life. In Your Name, Amen.
