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NASB | John 17:14 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 17:14 "I have given to them Your word [the message You gave Me]; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world and do not belong to the world, just as I am not of the world and do not belong to it. |
Bible Question: The world has hated those Jesus has called. Sometimes it seems like the world hates me, that is for sure. I used to be quite worldly myself, and still can be at times, but how do you handle it when it seems like so much/so many are against your belief about God, Jesus, salvation, the way to live, etc.? Sometimes in my life, I have been faced with a very "negative" reaction to my belief in Christ and my desire to follow Him with all my heart. Of course, then when I have those moments of weakness when "all of my heart" isn't truly involved--I can get pounced, emotionally/mentally. I don't know how those who are physcally persecuted do it. I know I'm weak--and I call upon Christ to be my strength. But I feel like such a weakling when it comes to standing firm in the face of ridicule or taunting. Sometimes I stand firm, sometimes I seem to falter; sometimes I can continue to act with love towards those who are giving me problems, sometimes I just get angry and discouraged. This word Jesus has given us is precious and a source of "food" and direction--but it is so hard to live it??? in the face of the world's hate--am I alone in this? |
Bible Answer: Seeking Wisdom, I really feel your pain. I too like many others have to deal with the rejection, and yes it can get to you. But remember what Jesus endured when he was here, and yet he didn't sin. He would wipe the dust off his feet and move on, and he had to walk for miles and miles. He loves us so much that he couldn't waver, and it's that love for us and praying and seeking and trusting God daily is what kept him going. Putting himself in harms way at every turn he would be confronted with anger, unbelief, jealousy and ridicule. People couldn't phathom in their minds and heart that here's this man teaching, and telling them something that so foreign, so hard to believe, but many hearts were changed and many did believe and were set free. It's no different now. Our world is so corrupt and so many hearts have waxed cold toward one another and have become numb and calloused that they don't feel anything. Everyone for themselves, and get out of my way. Then you and I and other's come to tell them that there is a loving god and loving saviour who came and endured and suffered the torture and pain before and on the cross for mankind so we could have hope in this world. But now because of what happened on Sept. 11, many are having there eyes opened to the fact that life is temporary and that tomorrow is really not promised to us. And each and every day it's getting worse. We need to build up our faith and trust Jesus to speak through us when witnessing to other's with a love this world has never felt before. We as human beings only know a glimpse of the Father's Love, but Jesus through us, and not us trying to do it can see person's heart's soften and there is something about the love they have never felt before and that many have wanted to feel. Trusting in only ourselves always gets us in trouble, because then here come's the insecurity and lack of patience and so on. God's love is immeasurable. We need to rely and trust in God daily. John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Phil. 4:6,7 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto him. Verse 7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. And when we prayer Jesus is up there intercessing on our behalf to the Father with Satan for ever accusing God's children. Let's Make our Father proud of us, OK?? I hope I have been helpful. Don't be discouraged, it will get better and you will begin to feel the peace, and such a building up of faith that no one, and nothing will be able to shake your faith. we are powerhouses for our Father. The world has it hate, but their hate won't make us stop enduring for our Loving Father and Love will overpower Hate. Sometimes people are not really hateful, but tired and angry at this life, ya know. Let's spread some Love. Take Care, Keep seeking daily for guidance when witnessing, give it to him. Ask him to show you his LOVE and immerse you with it, and so you can spread it over a hurting and love hungry world. In the Father's LOVE, SERENETIME |