We all want to be loved. Some of us go to extremes to make sure that we don't cause any conflict with others and that everyone likes us. If you're like that, I hate to burst your bubble but you are in the wrong. Christianity unites, but it also divides. If you aren't making a few enemies here and there then your walk may be insincere.
Jesus is the name that divides. Either you love Him or you hate Him and there is rarely an in-between. When we are actively and genuinely walking out our faith we become targets of the enemy. The thing is, if you are not a Christian and therefore under the rule of Jesus you are by default under the rule of Satan whether you know it or not. So Christians walking the walk are especially prone to some disagreements and persecution from nonbelievers.
We are called into a life of persecution and suffering along with Christ. When you go through trials and unjust circumstance, consider it an honor. Know that Jesus was unfairly persecuted to the point of death for our sake. Just as Paul and many other characters out of the Bible were persecuted, so will we be if our faith is genuine. It is well worth the reward to stand firm in your faith during persecution and trials. The truth of the matter is that we are in a war and we will always be the target of our enemy-- but the good news about that is that Christ has already won the war.
Matthew 10:34 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (NIV)
Philippians 1:29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. (NLT)
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)
Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (NLT)
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV)
Jesus is the name that divides. Either you love Him or you hate Him and there is rarely an in-between. When we are actively and genuinely walking out our faith we become targets of the enemy. The thing is, if you are not a Christian and therefore under the rule of Jesus you are by default under the rule of Satan whether you know it or not. So Christians walking the walk are especially prone to some disagreements and persecution from nonbelievers.
We are called into a life of persecution and suffering along with Christ. When you go through trials and unjust circumstance, consider it an honor. Know that Jesus was unfairly persecuted to the point of death for our sake. Just as Paul and many other characters out of the Bible were persecuted, so will we be if our faith is genuine. It is well worth the reward to stand firm in your faith during persecution and trials. The truth of the matter is that we are in a war and we will always be the target of our enemy-- but the good news about that is that Christ has already won the war.
Matthew 10:34 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (NIV)
Philippians 1:29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. (NLT)
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)
Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (NLT)
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV)
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