“… You will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”

Luke 21:13-19

It’s a scary prospect when you think of a time when people will hate you because you love Jesus, and follow Him. It is very scary to think that family and friends could turn on you and persecute you, even to death, because you take a stand for Him. The Scriptures say it will happen- and it does happen in some parts of the world already. Probably has always happened somewhere…

If we give testimony, people may not like it. It offends people when someone suggests they might not be in the right about something. It causes them to be resentful, which can grow into hatred. We are not to stress about what to say, but trust God. We must practice this in daily life and have our roots firmly embedded in the rock, which is Jesus Christ. He is trustworthy and true and we can totally depend on Him to deliver us from all evil.

The kingdom is His, and the power and the glory, forever. Whatever we go through, it is worth it, just to know Him. Our hearts are set on Him and we love out Saviour and friend at all times. Jesus is our brother, born out of adversity, and He will keep us safe and give us the necessary power to keep believing and walking with Him.

We will never be left speechless or defenceless, as the wisdom of God is greater than human wisdom. Human wisdom is really just folly and not at all wise. We pray for the godly wisdom, which is peaceable and kind. We abound in love of the truth and love for other people, especially those who truly believe and follow Christ too.

We may seem to perish in this life, but in the life to come, we will gain back our bodies, redeemed and immortalised, made new and glorified, like Christ’s body. We will not loose a single part of ourselves, but will be fully ourselves and full of eternal life, in the Spirit of God…

Even if everyone does hate you, you can stand firm in the faith you have received, it is God’s gift to you. Be bold and strong, for God is with you…

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