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The Temptation of Love

    It is in our nature to want to be loved. We all crave that love that is only fulfilled by Jesus and His people. Sadly enough, when we get closer to Jesus the world catches on. There are seasons in our lives where we are loved by many, and seasons where we are loved by few. How do we react in the latter seasons of persecution?

    The love we get from Jesus is all the love we will ever need, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Most of the time we find ourselves longing the love of others as well. That isn't a bad thing at all. The problem is if we are sacrificing our values to be loved. The Bible tells us that if we are just like the world, it will love us. But when we grow closer to Jesus and are transformed into His image, we begin to get persecuted. Satan runs this world and He doesn't like when we reflect his enemy so he likes to throw things in our paths to mess us up.

    We need to be careful about desiring love from the world. It leads us to do things that would earn us that love and those are not the things of Christ. If you are being persecuted for being like Jesus, then you should be celebrating! It is an honor to share in His sufferings. It is far more important to be loved for being Christ-like than to be of the world. Both consequences carry into the next life. Wouldn't you want to take the joy of having suffered with Christ to Heaven with you?

     Start thinking of things differently. When you are feeling unloved by the world, it could be a good thing. Don't let it persuade you to do the things of the world to earn its acceptance, but be steadfast in righteousness and continue to walk out your faith with Jesus. That earns a far greater reward.

 1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (ESV)

John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (NIV)

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