Listen

Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and condemn your name as evil because of the Human One. Rejoice when that happens! Leap for joy because you have a great reward in heaven. Their ancestors did the same things to the prophets.

Luke 6:22-23

Think

Being hated for doing what you know is right is hard to accept. Jesus understood what his disciples would experience. Jesus himself had been hated because he taught people a better way to live in the world. If they hate Jesus, people will hate those who follow Jesus.

We sometimes want others to like us so much that we shy away from doing what is right. Nobody wants to experience hatred, being condemned. We want to be loved, celebrated, and accepted – but at what cost? Should we allow evil to persist because we do not want to be hated?

Today’s text reminds us that people have hated people from the beginning. When we persist in doing what God calls us to do, loving our neighbors, caring for the sick, and fighting injustice, we will upset people. Do not let their hatred or condemnation deter you. Instead, let it be a source of true happiness.

James Blay

Pray

Dear God, guide my actions daily, so I may do what you have called me to. Help me act out of love and not condemnation or self-righteousness. Amen.

Go

Spread the word; a different standard of happiness is available for everyone.