I agree that Christians have a ways to go in learning how to walk in Christlike love. But I do not agree that all the animosity shown toward the Christian community is due to a lack of love toward those outside the faith. Some of this just goes with the territory. In fact, the more committed we are to standing for Christ; the more likely it is that some with opposing views will express hatred toward Christians.
Case in point. Jesus was full of love and compassion. Still, during His public ministry, He had enemies who hated Him. He warned His disciples they would experience the same ill treatment:
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” Jesus said. “If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (verse 19).
John 15:18-19, NASB
Choosing to Love in Spite of the Hatred for Christians
The same is true for us today. Some unbelievers will hate us just because Christ has chosen us out of the world. At times, our loyalty to Him and what we believe may make us appear to be aimed against those with opposing views or agendas. Still, we must not submit to any pressure to abandon our loyalty to Christ simply to appease those who don’t believe as we do.
We are called to walk in love toward all men. Without a doubt, two issues that place Christians in the cross hairs of today’s society are abortion and homosexuality. We all know we will never agree on these hot issues. But that fact alone does not constitute a lack of love on our part. Love does not require us to always agree with others. In fact, love that is contingent upon always agreeing is not love at all.
As we approach the Lord’s return, our world is becoming increasingly dark. Against this backdrop, we are called to be the light of the world.
So what gives? As preachers, we must not cease to proclaim biblical truth in our pulpits, though it may not always be welcome. As Christians, let us continue to be a voice for Christ in this increasingly dark world. Yes, there will be those who will dislike us for doing that. Of course, I am being nice. Jesus even used the word hate. But some of the world’s hatred for Christians cannot be avoided. It goes with the territory.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.