April 02

John 15: 18-25

Could I tell you a secret? I really hate the word hate (see what I did there?).
There is so much hatred in the world that ruins that which is so beautiful. I
have been blessed to grow up experiencing Christians going out of their way
to show love in how they carry themselves, how they care for others, and how
they order their lives around the ways of Christ. I long for our world at large
to share in the beauty of Christ-like love that I have been blessed to observe.
Yet, the world hates that which it doesn’t understand. A world that prides
itself on doing whatever it can to get ahead, allowing everyone to live under
the ‘you do you’ philosophy, and of course, living their own truth, doesn’t
understand followers of Christ who would give themselves away to an
ungrateful world.

As we edge nearer to Christ’s return, the scriptures tell us things will get
difficult for those who belong to Jesus. We will be hated. Jesus lovingly
reminds us our identity is under the care of our Father, Who loves us and
protects us for eternity. If we live like Jesus, we will likely be hated. I hate
that for us, but I know it’s not the end of the story. When Christ returns, hate
will be eradicated once for all, and love will eternally win, because God is
love. We live with hope and we live on purpose, a purpose that calls us to live
as the opposite of hate: the love of Christ.

Today, ask the Lord for specific opportunities to love others like Jesus does.
Then come back and make a note of what happened, praising the Lord for
guiding you through the day. Give some love away to those who need it most.