Unreasonable hatred

John 15:18-25 NLT

"If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. [19] The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. [20] Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. [21] They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me. [22] They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. [23] Anyone who hates Me also hates My Father. [24] If I hadn't done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate Me and My Father. [25] This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated Me without cause.'

To be hated is not something to crave - most people want to be popular, don't they?

Yet Jesus promised that His followers would attract unreasonable hatred.

Certainly, the illogical accusation from Charlie Kirk's killer that "some hatred cannot be negotiated" reveals the twisted mindset of those who reject truth.

So never be surprised when you are hated or rejected for being a Christian. It's quite predictable.

In fact, the closer someone gets to Jesus, the more likely persecution will follow.

Why? There's not even a reason!

Psalm 35:19 NLT

Don't let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don't let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.

Psalm 69:4 NLT

Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn't steal.

It's amazing how many, who had seen Jesus heal and speak of love, rose up to accuse Jesus with lies at His trial.

Matthew 26:59-60 NLT

Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put Him to death. [60] But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone's testimony.

We are promised similar treatment if we stand for Jesus.

Let's please be brave enough to stand for truth and freedom, as did Charlie Kirk, in these dark and dangerous days.