“I have given them Thy Word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14).

Someone on the radio was making the observation that Christians have always been hated. I believe that statement is absolutely true. However, I also believe that we are living in a time when we are seeing a growing animosity toward the followers of Christ. Christian brothers and sisters around the world are being hunted down, tortured, imprisoned, even murdered, and their properties seized. Here in the United States a pizza worker (not the owner, not the manager!) was asked a hypothetical question about whether their pizza would be served at a homosexual wedding reception. What a ridiculous question to ask a young worker! For her answer, the owners of the pizza shop received death threats. Yet a reporter was video recorded visiting several Muslim bakeries that flatly refused to bake a wedding cake for such a reception. Nothing happened! There was no outcry, no protests, and no lawsuit. What a double standard!  There is no doubt in my mind that the world hates us with a growing hatred. I want you to know that my heart aches for the many believers who suffer greatly for Christ, and I want to earnestly pray for them. I want to be gracious, but I also want to be bold in my stand for Christ. How about you?

For today: It is an honor to be hated by the world but loved by the Savior!