Hated by All

“And you will be hated by all because of My name” Matthew 10:22a NASB

I don’t know anyone who enjoys being hated by others. Even the slightest dislike upon us will put a damper on our emotions. Humans have the need to be loved and be accepted. We do not want others to think of us as weird, annoying, or out of touch with society. We desire to be accepted among those we have interactions with on a daily basis. The problem for Christians is this is not entirely possible if one is consistently living for Christ. Jesus Himself said, “And you will be hated by all because of My name” (Mt.10:22a nasb) ‘Hated by all’ is a powerful, all-inclusive statement. But if Jesus said it, I’ll take Him at His word. We will be hated by all.

It is important to understand who the ‘all’ are. It is all those outside of Christ, all those in need of the saving knowledge of the Savior. We are not hated by our brothers and sisters in Christ, although unfortunately we have a tendency to dislike some of them. The hatred comes from those who see us as a threat to their way of living, those who feel they have no need of ‘religion’ as they say. It comes from those who see us as judgmental for believing and obeying the scriptures. It comes from those who condemn us for believing that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Taking a stand for Christ and His Word will indeed cause some friction between us and others, even those closest to us.

Being hated or disliked by others can be avoided through the art of compromise. If you have sensed that others do not have a disregard for you concerning your belief and walk with Jesus, then perhaps you are already administrating the art of compromise. The desire to be accepted by our peers opens the door to be silent or accept alternative views on Jesus and the Bible. Sadly there are also many churches who are being silent and accepting the things of world through compromise. It is time for us to evaluate ourselves individually and as the church. Are we hated by all, hated by some, or not hated at all? Jesus said we will be ‘hated by all’.

Read: Matthew 10:16-22 NASB – A Hard Road Ahead of Them – “Behold, – Bible Gateway