“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18-19 KJV).
The Lord Jesus Christ, continuing with His parting Words with His beloved young apostles, warned that the world (meaning those who live apart from the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace) will hate them. And, us too who believe and receive the Lord's gift of salvation, because it hated Him first. We should not be surprised that as we stand on the ground of faith in Him, we'll be met with intense persecution by the world that hated Him. We should, therefore, use their hatred as litmus test for our right living. It keeps us in the know that we do not belong to the world. If we do, it cuddles us with their brand of love. As we don't, it targets us to submit in their ways using myriad tools of cancel culture, their world offerings and others. But, rest assured by grace, we belong to a higher kingdom, embraced by our Father's love, forever.
These passages, in essence, are telling me that I am to live my life to a lone audience, my Heavenly Father who loves me. He sent His only begotten Son to save you and I-all of us. Even when we were yet sinners as the world is, He died as ransom for the world (Romans 5:8). Yes, He died to save the world that hated Him. He laid His life to die in the hands of those He came to save. That, in spite, by believing in Him all shall be saved, even the world (John 3:16-18).
Hence, in the midst of its anger and hate we are to go into the world driven by love of our Lord and Father in us, that the world may be saved. We have His mandate. It is written: “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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