2012 - Will You Be Hated???

In our early years the ministries that the Redding family had chosen always seemed to be appreciated by the majority of our Christian peers. In the early days we served willingly within the confines of the local church, but it seemed like feelings changed toward us when we chose to love those who didn't quite fit the typical ministry path. When we hit the streets with a ministry that utilized a more “modern” approach to reaching out to those lost on the streets, we literally we were suspected, accused, not trusted, and cursed as being reprobate from the faith by those who we thought understood our hearts.

This is a scarey place to be ... in the jaws of a love/hate battle and having our hearts scandalized. We didn't know that it could end up this way.
Come to Jesus!!!John 16: 1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
...and you will be hated!!! What???

(Take a brief devotional break and read John 15: 18 - John 16: 11 - Listen don't just look at the words, listen as Jesus speaks … He will not leave you comfortless, He will come to you. Right in the middle of this passage and the end He is ensuring His voice is heard via the Comforter.)

Jesus revealed that We would be hated because He was hated without cause. He would be the Stone that the builders would reject. He would be the stumbling block … the moveable trigger of the “love” trap … the “SKANDALON”. Why???
Why would Jesus be such an offense? Unbelievably ... the way He loved would be the offense.

The Kingdom He would bring to men would rub their idea of the kingdom the wrong way. The following phrases may give you a hint why:
1. Love your enemies (no way it is not natural).
2. Do good to those who spitefully abuse you (fighting back satisfies the anger).
3. Greatest is the servant (being the boss is the goal).
4. Go the extra mile (without pay?).

Then think of these overt love events:
1. Dinner with Tax Collectors.
2. Fellowship with sinners.
3. Personal contact with the leper and the demoniac.

Let's look at John 16:1 before we jump into 2012...
John 16:1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
His concern is for you. He doesn't want His kids scandalized. He definitely does not want us suffering because of sinful choices. However, He wants to walk with us into a life of loving others. What happens to our fragile hearts when we love for Christ's sake and then we are hated for it? Listen carefully to His voice and He will strengthen your heart for the potential scandal ahead.

2012 ... God willing ... take the RISK of being hated, Love Jesus Openly ... loving others.

HLFA,

Jeff