Are you hated?

Why are christians hated?

Matthew 24:9  Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

Ever really sat back and wondered why christians are hated throughout the world so severely.  I mean, are christians prone to gang robberies and murders?  Are christians known to force people to believe in Jesus?  How many christians do you know who have taken up arms and gone out to hurt people who are not christians?  The truth is folks, none of these are a real problem.  As it says in today's verse, you will be hated for my name's sake.

Now with that being said, why would someone hate you just because you are a christian?  Let's be realistic here, I gather to say that most of the charities helping people today are run by christian organizations of some kind.  Is helping people a reason to be hated?  The fact of the matter is that satan is at the heart of all of this hatred.  His whole goal is to keep as many people as possible from knowing about Jesus and what He did on the cross for them.  I've noticed even in talking to people who go to church that as long as we are talking about things like sunday school trips and church organizations, there is never any problem or awkwardness.  Now start talking about Jesus dying on the cross and how His blood shed allows us to receive God's grace, then things just seem to make people uncomfortable.

Have you ever noticed that those people who say there is no God seem to get so angry when they talk about this God and His Son who they say doesn't even exist?  I have.  The truth is, this world wide hatred for Christians should be the best evidence there is for whether God is real or not.  Why would you hate something that isn't real?  

If Jesus isn't real, then why does it make so many people angry when kids pray in school?  If Jesus isn't real, then why are we as a country taking away all things like prayer and the ten commandments which is what our country was founded on?  The fact is Jesus is real!  The fact is Satan is real!  The fact is Satan is in control one way or the other of anyone who isn't saved.  We know that there are a lot of folks who aren't saved, so it's not really a stretch to see that Satan is basically in control of our country and most of our citizens.  

Christians are already hated and being persecuted around the world.  If you really start living for God, you will probably be persecuted even here in the US.  If you are not persecuted though, you will be hated.  

I say all of this to let you know that we are promised hatred, but we are also promised eternal peace and joy.  It's our job right now, to get up off of our chairs, couches, ect… and spread the gospel to any and everyone we come into contact with.  

Will you be persecuted for Him who died for you?  Are you hated by others for what you stand for?

Remember this, for a christian this world is just a quick bus ride to eternal peace and joy!  If you want to be a part of this eternal joy, and feel bad about your sinful life, then just tell God you are sorry.  Tell him thanks for sending His only Son to die on that cross for YOU!  Ask Him to forgive you for your sins.  Pray daily for guidance.  Ask Him what He wants you to accomplish in life.  Read your bible because he talks to you through His living word and Prayer.  Now tell others!!!