One primary characteristic of the last days is hatred of Christians. This was prophesied by Jesus Himself in His Olivet Discourse when teaching His disciples what to expect in the end times. He said this would happen immediately following the beginning of “birth pangs”. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matthew 24:9-10). This will present itself as a huge increase in the hatred of Christians already strongly manifest in this world. The Greek word used for hate, hated, or hatred in our bibles is “misos“, which literally means to detest Christians to a point that justifies open persecution.
Earlier, Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18). And here’s the reason for this hate: “The world hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” (John 7:7). Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples at the Last Supper. “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of this world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14).
Yes, hatred and being hated is part of life for real Christians. And, depending on your situation, you may not even be aware of the hatred harbored behind your back by those opposed to your Christianity. Your very presence condemns them and makes them uncomfortable. And this will persist in increasing measure as the return of our Lord nears and the satanic agenda matures. Of course, if we hide our light under a bushel basket and live as the world lives, we can avoid this hatred. But that puts us in huge danger for ignoring such a great salvation. Living a bold outward Christian life is what the Spirit directs and is expected from us by our Lord.
So, just how should we handle this hatred which will surely become more and more prominent? Jesus’s teaching is clear.
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13). “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Instead of hating back, their hate toward us should be cause for doing good, prayer, love, and even rejoicing. “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23). Leap for joy?? Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But that’s our Lord. He knows that love conquers all, and in Him we are more than conquerors.
Saints, expect to be hated by the world. It comes with the territory.
Maranatha, Jim