Jesus is Essential
John 15:22–25: If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
A life pleasing to God is a life that by example, word, and deed demonstrates the righteousness of Christ. It thereby condemns the world, and as a result the believer is in some way persecuted. Consider Daniel, the only person in Scripture of whom much is written but who has no recorded sin.
He was an exemplary man, so much so that the world system tried to kill him. But God stopped the lions’ mouths. The world … would not hate angels for being angelic; but it does hate men for being Christians. It grudges them their new character; it is tormented by their peace; it is infuriated by their joy. 1
Walking with Jesus
There is a godly perspective for us to have, as we face persecution. Read 1 Peter 4:12-13. May His Holy Spirit give us that exceeding joy today!
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:36
Jesus is only asking for our obedience, not our excuses.
Praying
Lord, please help my heart to always be tenderly obedient before You and The Father.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1999). John: that you may believe. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
