Hatred is ugly. Hatred etches its lines of cruelty in the actions and faces of those who hate.

Jesus never tried to put a pleasant explanation on hatred. He didn”™t pretend it didn”™t exist. He dealt with it openly. He realistically warned His followers of the hatred awaiting Him and the hatred they too, would encounter. Hatred toward Jesus was prophesied in Psalm 35:19 and Psalm 69:4.

(NIV) John 15:20-25 “Remember the words I spoke to you: “˜No servant is greater than his master.”™ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: “˜They hated me without reason.”™”

This is a serious charge with serious consequences to those who hate the Lord Jesus. Hatred kills, maims and destroys. Jesus came to give healing and a re-created life.

Jesus came to forgive, to die for those who hate Him”¦they must be born again”¦He promised eternal life to those who believe in Him. He also promised that they will live in God”™s holy presence.

When did Jesus give you life, His life for eternity? Perhaps you have not received His forgiveness and His life yet. Belief in Him is essential. You are invited to click on the Resources tab at the top of this devotional and then click on God”™s Plan of Salvation.

For those who are undergoing persecution”¦Jesus said:

(NIV) John 15:20 “Remember the words I spoke to you: “˜No servant is greater than his master.”™ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”

May your testimony of belief in the Lord Jesus

be blessed by Him in and through your life”¦