John 15:18-21
[18] If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. [21] But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
We got a very angry comment today on our message from Sunday. The person told us we were liars and it would be better for the world if we would die. Where did the hatred and animosity come from? From the fact that we are Christians who read and quote the Bible.
For me, personally, the hatred and distain doesn’t make sense based on his claim of being an atheist. Here’s what I’m getting at, if you don’t believe God exists, why do you despise Him and anyone who believes in Him with such intensity and passion? It makes no sense. How can you despise someone or something you do not believe even exists?
The true root of the issue? He doesn’t believe there is no God. He hates God. He despises Him with a passion. Why? There could be many reasons. He could blame God for something that scarred him, like a death of a loved one. He could feel God should’ve answered a prayer He didn’t. Or that his identity is blatantly called a sin by God. We don’t know the exact reason for his hatred, but it is evident that it is what fills his heart.
As Christians, it’s hard not to want to lash out verbally or say something callous and cold-hearted to him. But that’s not what we’re called to. We are called to be more. To turn the other cheek. To bless those who curse us and pray for those who persecute us. We are to be Christ to the world. Revenge, getting even, those things aren’t for us. They don’t belong to us. Vengeance is the LORD’s. And as Christians, we should never wish, hope, call, nor pray God vengeance on another person.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Learn To Turn.