“14We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” – 1 John 3:14-15 (ESV)
These verses are very telling and in some respects are difficult to hear. Not loving leads to death. Not loving is the opposite of hating and if hating creates murderers then those that are not loving are indeed murderers.
“13Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” – J John 3:13 (ESV)
We are hated by the world and that is evident by the persecution we endure each and every day.
But we have the answer, love. Love is the one thing that we are able to spread to combat the hate. When we love, we are able to exemplify the eternal life that we have been given.
Yes, you will still be hated, and in fact likely even more. Your love will shine a light on the darkness in others and evil does not like the light so therefore it will fight back more vigorously to remain in the dark. We must continue to shine our light provided to us by God in the form of eternal life.
Have you noticed the hatred for the love you show? Are you showing that love anyway? Are you living the eternal life even though the world hates you?
Trevor's Thoughts 