The word “hate” gets thrown around so loosely these days. But using this “buzzword” is nothing new. In fact, Jesus reminds us that people hated him, and he warns us that as his followers, we can expect to be hated as well. Does this reading give you a new and different perspective on what it means to hate or be hated?
For me, I see people saying bad things about Christians all the time on social media. The “h” word is usually part of the conversation, but the claims are usually that Christians are the ones who hate. That breaks my heart. Jesus has been telling us repeatedly in our last couple of readings that we are to set ourselves apart by loving one another. According to Jesus, hate comes at us for our allegiance to him.
Have you ever been shunned or ignored because of your faith? I know I have. It’s not pleasant, but I can’t say that in those moments I’ve felt hated, just marginalized and ignored. It’s not a secret that Christians have been hated throughout the centuries, and many have died for their faith. Christians love, and the world hates.
Why do people say they hate something or someone? I think it comes down to not understanding or being able to relate to another. When we dislike what someone is doing, we say we hate that behavior. When we dislike a food we are being served, we say we hate it. We often say we hate things as freely as we say we love things, like “I love chocolate.”
Jesus would say that we are not of this world. Hate comes from the world, and if we are not from it, we should not be haters, only the hated. Jesus didn’t pretend following him would be easy or comfortable. But he did promise the Holy Spirit would come to our rescue. That provision is available for us right away.
We may not be Jesus first followers, and we won’t be his last on this planet. This message was not limited to those first few. Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate is for all time. With God’s presence by our side, we have nothing to fear, whether we feel hated or not. We are in good company, for Jesus was also hated. My heart breaks to think of it, doesn’t yours?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I wait for that day when you return to this world to snatch me back to be with you forever. Thank you for the warning that people would hate me because they first hated you, and I am yours. This world is not my home. Help me to do what I can to show love in return to those who hate and only love as you love. It’s not easy, but I trust the Holy Spirit to guide me. Thank you for all you do for me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
