CHRISTIANITY TODAY
Daily Devotional Companion
DEALING WITH HATE IN LIFE AND MINISTRY (PART 4)

John 15:18 (KJV)...... If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

The truth of the matter is this: you will be hated in ministry and life because of Christ. You can’t enjoy the glory and not partake in the pain of the glory. You can’t want the Christ and not accept the hate that comes with it.

I see ministers of the gospel who feel pain, weep a lot and complain when they are hated for Christ's sake. I thought they should know better because no one throws stones at an empty mango tree. The ripe mango fruits will usually attract some stones.

It is very important I open this up before we can talk about how to deal with hate. Envy and jealousy are other reasons why you can suffer hatred in ministry. Some people just want to be in your shoes, believe it or not.

Some hate the attention you command, some don't like that it is you, and some calculate their age and compare it with yours and ask, 'Why should I follow him or her?'

Once you perceive this, then stay very far and tread with wisdom. You will have to watch what you say, to whom you speak and how you behave lest it become worse. This is one way you should deal with hate. Be wise.

Prayer:
I submit my ways and decisions to you oh Lord and I ask that you help me daily and continually guide me with your wisdom. Amen.

Bible Reference: John 15: 1-25, John 17: 13-14.

Wisdom Capsule:
Proverbs 18:15 (MSG)...... Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.