Loving the Haters (Watch Jesus)

What is the definition of hate? To feel intense or passionate dislike for someone.

...they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! (Romans 1:25).

What does true hate look like? Loving the Creation (yourself and the world) more than the Creator.

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed (John 3:20).

Who has hated God? All of us.

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12).

Who is God’s wrath against? Those who continue to hate Him.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness (Romans 1:18).

Who did Jesus come to save? Those who hated Him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Who did Jesus die for? Those who hated Him.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Who did Jesus speak tough truths to? Those who hated Him.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’ (John 6:60).

Who did Jesus resurrect Himself for? Those who hated Him.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life (Romans 5:10).

Who does Jesus want forgiveness for? Those who hated Him.

Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

Who does Jesus want to be saved by knowing the truth? Those who hate Him.

...who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Who is Jesus patient with? Those who hate Him.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Who does Jesus give eternal life to? Those who love His Words.

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:66–68).

Hate is real, but Jesus’ love is greater. Easter is coming. Eternity is coming. May we be ready to meet our Lord and Creator!