I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world. (Jn 17:14)
Hate is a very powerful thing. It is real. It is palpable. It is alive.
It affects all sorts of things and people.
It gives strength to people.
It feeds on others.
It corrupts.
It destroys.
Hate is a product of evil and is inherent to the world in which we live.
We, on the other hand, do not belong to this world. We belong to the Kingdom of Christ. That is one of the reasons why the world hates us so.
Our very lives are a threat to the kingdom of the world, the kingdom of hatred, sin, darkness, and death.
It is frightening to think that the world is our enemy. It would immobilize us were it not for the victory given to us by Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus, we can function in this world and be a witness that can turn the lives of others to the Lord.
Reject hate today. Live in the love of the Lord.
FAITH ACTION: Pray for those who are so hated by the world that they are in constant danger. May God keep them safe so that they can continue to proclaim the Good News.